Hello again readers, for those of you rejoining us, nice to see you, to newcomers, welcome. This is the second chapter rewrite of LoCG, you may have noticed that both versions were updated. No need to worry, I just reverted the old version back to the old versions of the chapters. It's… a comparison, to see how far I've come as a writer so we can see how this story grew, together.
[Craytherlay- Sorry for the delay guys, lets just say me and rails did big dumb dumb. A stupid, easy to resolve misunderstanding occurred and I was stuck for MONTHS waiting for Rails to do something he never actually intended to do. But that in the end gave me more time to plan out the chapter and gave us both more time to flesh it out. Anyways… best we see them reviews now shall we?
[Dragonrails- Hey readers as Cray mentioned it was entirely my fault for the late release of this chapter, honestly it was unexpected so my apologies everyone, I also like to mention it great to see some of you readers compare the original to the remasters its been great seeing your opinions on it.
Tommthecommie:{Indeed, I find it hard to look at those old chaps due to how… euge they are. Honestly, I noticed most people seemed to have missed the fact she's mentioned to have dark skin. And… dude… flipping Sherry Cromwell has dark skin you telling me mis Golem user doesn't have clearly darker skin? Not to mention Marian Slinginyer and in GT The Groceries… seriously Kamachi that's not a name. There have been multiple darkskin characters in Toaru since OT. Like Etzali, his real face is one of dark complexion…
so I am gonna have to assume you're making a joke.
One does not simply insult the deltaforce's fetishes and not get a beat down.}
Majin Othinus:{No need to worry fellow OTP fan… there will be more flirtatious moments between them. Their relationship by being understanders means I can't not do it… also means one scene later on will be made infinitely more heartbreaking.}
Guest2:{Clearly you are new considering you're asking these kinds of questions. Bro… if you don't want an OP Index… this ain't the story for you. This story was based on a idea… that idea was Index as an MG which automatically put her above Accel in power. I would appreciate if you stick with these remakes however as you may find my execution to be an exception to your tastes.
But, if you feel like you don't want to read it… don't feel pressured. You shouldn't force yourself to read that which you do not enjoy.}
Joshua:{Yeah, that should be fixed by the time I've posted this, I didn't think of that till it was too late. But yeah I'll be keeping the original version to show the progress and evolution of the story.
Thanks, I felt having an extended scene at the start to establish the timeline was a good move. And using the banter of the Kamijou-household was a good way to also establish the relationships. In case people were unfamiliar with them you know.
None insult fetishes around Aogami and get away with it.
It's actually something I tried in one of the old In the library chapters of the first version. I'm writing it mostly from Touma's PoV, so that's exactly how it look to him. It's not being unable to see or hear her, Its the fact he forgets anything related to her the moment he looks away. Think, the silence from Doctor who and you get a accurate representation of what Touma goes through with Misaki.
You said more than enough, thank you, and I'm glad you're looking forward to it.}
Shad0wHand:{don't worry, should have fixed that so you can compare the two now.
Short and to the point, do wish you had more to say, but I guess that'll have to wait till you can compare the two versions. Over all, thanks, hope this chapter rewrite lives up to expectations.}
Mr?:{Glad to see you managed to make a review, wouldn't feel right without the main man himself. Don't worry about the whole, lacking a comparison, should have fixed that by now like I said I would.
Glad to see that even without a comparison you can tell it has been improved. I Suspect once you have the comparison, you'll notice a number of the big changes in the major scenes. And bro… seriously? Dione was the deck of cards girl from NT21-22, how do you not remember her? Hamazura literally worked with Coronzon to save her.
Thats fine, looking forward to the changes is enough for me.
You saying Muireann is what Aogami pretends to be?}]
[Dragonrails-
Majin Othinus:{ Yes! Yes! And damn right yes! If there wasn't i'd personally make Cray life a hell, but in all seriousness yeah we've been talking about adding a few romantic moments that kinds of adds a bit more tension between Othinus and Index's characters so look forward to that}
Joshua:{ your not alone even I'm looking forward to the sequel}
Shad0wHand:{I'm glad you liked the change, honestly i didn't know what was going to change considering when i first helped it was around chapter 30, so seeing what Cray wanted to change and keep was a challenge itself.}
Mr?:{ i was kind surprised myself, figured Cray would've just continued with the sequel, but he did look back and figured why not make it a bit better, also i'd have to agree it would probably be a kansai accent. }]
With that out of the way, remember, constructive criticism is encouraged and desired. Now, then, let us continue this tale of an infinity.
Chapter 2
To Protect one's own
The girl calling herself Muireann Conan launched forward, twin daggers brandished and ready to strike. The two headless figures either side of her leaping forward to intercept Aogami and Tsuchimikado. Her daggers screamed through the air at Touma as she rotated on her foot and thrusted them forward.
Thinking they were enchanted in some way by how Muireann had reacted to one's side brushing her skin. Touma maneuvered his right hand to block them, but his instincts screamed, telling him something was wrong. Unfortunately, it was too late, he was already well within the path of those twin steel blades. His eyes widened as time seemed to slow, the tips of those glittering daggers heading right for his chest and neck.
Just as the blades brushed his skin, a familiar Friuli spear's three pronged blade caught the twin daggers. The spear pulled upwards sending the blades off course as electrical arcs formed causing the selkie to be pulled slightly sideways by magnetism. Muireann glanced back up and growled as Itsuwa and Misaka landed either side of Touma.
"I won't allow you to lay a finger on Kamijou-san," the Amakusa's girl declared. She spun the spear in hand and pointed the blade down ready to react to any attack. Her casual wear consisting of a pink shirt and jeans, complimented her gentle expression.
"I don't know who the hell you think you are," Misaka flicked her hair, scattering sparks. "But I'm in a pretty fowl mood as is, so I don't need you attacking this idiot!" she gestured with her head. "Maybe you'll provide good stress relief," smirking, Misaka slammed her fist into her palm.
Aogami looked up as he bent back, avoiding a strike from the flaming figure before him. "Damn it Kami-yan! Don't you go showing off! Not only do you have the number three, but you got a sexy spear wielding bodyguard too!? You bastard! No fair!" he ducked aside and pushed a desk with one foot causing it to skid towards the figure which had to jump over the obstacle.
"Nyah~ what can we expect, Aogami? The kamiyan-disease doesn't stop for combat." Tsuchimikado shook his head as he tilted his head aside from the second flaming figure's fist. "It'll continue attracting ladies even as he's running for his life." Turning on his heel, Tsuchimikado kicked the figure's shin and tripped it so it would fall onto the edge of the window.
A low growl exited Muireann's lips, "I don't ave bloody time for any of this!" she barked, with a snap. "Thames! Could ya do me a favor and take care of the blasted esper and her spear wielding friend?" Turning, Muireann swung a dagger through a wall exposing a waterline. It erupted as her blade sliced through the piping, the water curled up her daggers and surrounded them, rotating rapidly to form a high pressure blade. "I'll take care of that bastard!" Muireann declared as the rest of the water swept below her, pushing her forward.
Mikoto and Itsuwa tensed, ready to intercept when the tree from earlier suddenly moved. "Very well miss Conan," it declared as its branches swept the room catching both girls off guard. Misaka and Itsuwa were smacked by the branch and thrown into the far wall. "You girls will need to play with me for now, okay?~" It's deep, creaking voice was almost playful as it tore through the building causing the floor to crumble.
As Mikoto and Itsuwa swore and ducked from a twin slam by the tree, Touma barely ducked away from Muireann's twin blades. Crouching he touched the water below her feet, forcing her to trip as her control was negated. The girl snarled and spun around making two quick slashes, forcing Touma to back up.
Regathering himself, Touma frowned before a small head popped out of his hood. "Well, this is a surprise, I never expected to encounter a selkie here in japan." Touma jolted, one dagger nearly nicking his cheek, however a set of tiny heeled feet kicked the flat of the blade diverting it. "Focus human! Those daggers are in no way supernatural, but for her, that may just be worse." Othinus smirked from his shoulder as she clung to his collar and held her hat down to keep it from flying away.
"Shut up ya blasted pixie!" Muireann snapped with a seal-like bark, "you of all people should understand what kind of monster this bastard is!" Her two daggers swung through the air as she tried to slice Touma's torso. "How much of a threat that cursed hand poses to any supernatural being!"
"Aren't you making assumptions a bit too quickly!?" Touma shouted as he leapt back, barely avoiding the daggers. "Othi-chan, what do you mean by what you just said? Shouldn't miss psycho here's daggers being mundane make them worse for this Kamijou-san? Not her?" He used his foot to pull a chair in front of him, forcing Muireann to throw it aside.
"She's a selkie human, a fey known for their ability to turn into seals by donning a seal coat in water. Meaning she shares the same weakness all fey do, cold iron, and weapons made using iron. Steel also holds the metaphorical meaning of cold iron as a man-made blade to slay." The former god rolled off Touma's shoulder and leapt off his hand, using her momentum to kick Muireann in the face, causing her to stumble back.
Catching Othinus and placing her back on his shoulder, Touma smiled, "thanks for the info Othi-chan. This Kamijou-san wouldn't know what to do without you," he said as he turned, avoiding a twin slash from Muireann.
Aogami looked up from tripping the headless figure next to him using the broken pipe Muireann had sliced earlier. "What!? He has a fairy guide too!? Damn it Kami-yan stop hogging all the exotic waifus!" He threw the pipe and it smacked into the headless figure besides Tsuchi who grabbed the pipe and swung it into the figure's side.
"Nyah! Aogami's right Kami-yan! Leave some for us come on!," he jumped back as Aogami used a desk to knock his flaming figure along the ground. "What are we meant to do if you take all the exotic little sister types you bastard?" he teased landing beside Aogami. "Just how many genres do you need in your giant ass harem?"
Skidding to a halt just in front of the two perverts with his back to them. Touma groaned as the two headless flaming figures stumbled to their feet either side of Muireann. "Really? Are you guys seriously still talking about that!? Just, shut up about this Kamijou-san's fictional harem, please! This Kamijou-san isn't lucky enough to get a single girl to like him. Like hell this Kamijou-san could get an entire harem of girls!" he snapped as Muireann snorted, reversing the grip on her daggers.
Othinus chuckled a little, "I wouldn't say that human, you're much more popular then you realize." She gave a teasing smile before growing serious, "but you are right, this isn't the time for that. And I doubt the railgun and Amakusa girl appreciate us wasting their efforts."
A quick glance to the side revealed Itsuwa and Misaka were still occupied with the tree. The esper had formed a series of iron-sand whips to slice and carve into the tree's branches to no real avail. She would leap back, firing a lightning spear, trying to catch the tree on fire, but any sparks were quickly smothered. Itsuwa would slide under the sweeping strike and leap over the tree's attempts to trip her, using her spear to stab at the being. But just like Misaka's ironsand swords, the small nicks and cuts she made did nothing to deter the walking embodiment of nature.
"Could you litta shats just shut the fōk up already!" Muireann shouted angrily and charged forward. "You're getting on me nerves with ya petty arguments!" she slammed her foot down into a growing puddle of water. The liquid animated and launched forward like spears as the two headless figures leapt forward transforming into black wolves as they went to bite the trio.
Aogami twisted in place, kicking up a fallen chair's legs, grabbing them with one hand, before swinging it directly into the path of the wolf's head. Tsuchimikado spun the broken pipe from earlier, swinging it like a baseball bat into the second wolf's face. Touma ducked down and swung his right fist down, directly into the pool of water just before the spears struck.
The two black wolves yelped as they crashed into each other, the spears of water pierced their backs, just before being negated. Muireann's eyes went wide in utter shock as the three boys stood, glaring at each other. They weren't even concerned by the fact she was trying to kill them, more interested in their petty dispute than dealing with her.
Eye twitching, Muirean shouted in anger, "HOW THE BLOODY HELL DID YA FŌKEN DO THAT YA PERVERTED PIECES OF SHAT!?" She leapt into the air, and spun, the daggers slicing through the air as she swung her foot down in an attempt to strike all three of them.
However, instead she found herself stumbling as Tsuchi tripped her with the broken pipe. Aogami threw her off balance by tugging her forearm, and Touma's fist crashed into her chin. She sailed through the air and crashed down on the ground, gripping her chin, agony clear as day on her face
Despite what most believed, Aogami, Tsuchimikado and Kamijou were not as dumb as they tended to act. They may not have been as techno savvy as Misaka, or as psychologically intelligent as Seria. But each of them was terrifying in their own right. Kamijou had once manipulated the leader of the larged magic cabal in the world, and the forces of Othinus's GREMLIN. Into a wild goose chase to save the being known as Fräulein Kreutune from the windowless building. Tsuchimikado was an anglican spy who had successfully infiltrated Academy city before he was shortly discovered. Even Aogami for all his pervertedness still needed exceptional tracking skills in order to tail the many girls he stalked without being spotted.
This meant that the 'delta force' could become an exceedingly formidable force when they so desired. The combined strength, skill and experience of each of its members, providing a variety of unorthodox tactics that no one could predict. It truly made one question whether or not they had merely allowed Fukiyose to beat them up. All in order to keep up the facade of being stupid.
"GYAAAAHHHHRRRGGGH! Bloody! Argh! That's infinitely worse than blasted cold Iron!" Muireann roared in agony as she clutched her face and stood, "you pieces of shat! That fōken hurt!" She barked angrily, recovering as the two wolves stood up and shook off some dirt. "This shouldn't be this bloody difficult! All I needed ta fōken do was kill one bloody person!"
Touma winced at Muireann's reaction, "h-hey!? You okay? I didn't realize that would hurt so badly. I would have used my left hand if I had known how bad my imagine breaker would affect you." He had a look of genuine concern which took the three fey aback, causing a small pause. A crash in the background, serving as a reminder that Misaka and Itsuwa were still fighting a tree.
Before Muireann could respond, a fist plowed into Touma's face as Aogami glared at him. "HEY! We weren't done yet you bastard!" the blue haired pervert cracked his knuckles. "Not only do you got a sexy ass chocolate selkie Assassin trying to kill you. But you got yourself a smoking hot fairy guide as well!? How dare you claim your unlucky Kami-yan!"
"Hear hear!" Tsuchimikado said as Touma stumbled to his feet, Muireann gazing at them in disbelief. "You got two level fives, Komukawa-senpai, that one nun girl, and that fairy!? You bastard! You're the luckiest son of a bitch I've ever met!" The blond haired spy grabbed Touma by the collar and began shaking him.
"Wh-what was that you perverted little morons!?" Touma snapped out angrily.
Othinus smirked as she leaned over his shoulder, "I think they're jealous human."
Touma's fist crashed into Aogami as Muireann finally began to gather herself. "I don't have a FUCKING HAREM! Stop saying I have one you siscon-sargent and fetish king! This Kamijou-san couldn't flirt with a girl if you gave him a step by step tutorial, no way he's somehow got himself a harem!" Aogami was sent stumbling back as the three glared at each other.
"COULD YOU THREE IDIOTS TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY!" Mikoto shouted from the sidelines as she jumped back. Two of the tree's branches crashed down where she had been as the third caught Itsuwa by the stomach and launched her into a wall. "Some of us are kinda trying to avoid getting killed here!" Misaka swung her ironsand blades and carved the two branches off, "so! Shut the fuck!" she threw a coin up, launching it through the final branch, "UUUUUP!"
Seeing her chance, Muireann charged forward just as the three thick branches crashed to the ground. She used the pools of water formed from busted plumbing to push her forward as she swung her daggers through them. The high pressure water-blades reformed as she twisted one of the daggers in her grip. Both aimed directly at Touma's chest as she tried to slip between Aogmai and Tsuchimikado.
Only for a metal pipe to smack her square in the face as Tsuchimikado and Aogami held it in place in front of her. Touma bent down and kicked her legs out from under her just as he threw Othinus up with his right hand. The former god rotated through the air and kicked Muireann on the forehead once again forcing her back.
Misaka momentarily gawked at the display before the hairs on the back of her head stood up. She leapt aside as a branch crashed down, the tree from earlier rearing up. The stumps on the tree's trunk extended out wooden fibers which latched to the severed branches reattaching them to the rest of the tree.
Groaning in exasperation, Misaka pulled up a series of desks to block the tree's next attack. "I… HATE… MAGIC!" she shouted as the desks were blasted apart and she was sent flying.
The two wolves leapt forward as Muireann recovered, the selkie snorting in a seal-like manner. Touma rolled back as Othinus landed on his shoulder, Aogami sliding in before him as he pulled the metal pipe from Tsuchimikado's hands and swung it. Tsuchimikado swung backwards and rotated on his heel, reaching out his hand as Touma grabbed a broken chair leg. Passing the metal leg like a baton, Touma kicked the chair it came from across the floor.
The first wolf was smacked alongside the jaw by the metal pipe Aogami held. The second tried to avoid Tsuchimikado by shifting back into its headless human form mid air. However, the boy jammed the sharp edge into the flaming figure's torso. He and Aogami rolled aside just as the broken chair Touma kicked came skidding past. It smacked into Muireann who cried out in anger before carving it into more pieces with her daggers.
Rolling to his feet, back to the wall at the front of the classroom, Touma's eyes glanced down a moment. "Shit!" he swore and looked up, "we got a problem guys!" he said as the fey recovered. Aogami and Tsuchimikado turned to him as they spun their respective weapons. "Komoe's unconscious on the ground right over here!" he pointed beside him.
The two perverts' eyes suddenly widened at the sight of their precious loli teacher. She must have fainted once Muireann had busted through the wall. Meaning she hadn't managed to escape with the rest of the class, leaving her directly in the line of fire. The two boys swore as Muireann and the two fey either side of her charged at them again.
Aogami and Tsuchimikado nodded at each other, "Kami-yan! Catch!" the blue haired pervert shouted. The two of them threw their weapons, sending the metal pipes sailing through the air as they tackled the wolf and headless figure respectively.
"Hey! Watch it!" Touma shouted as he caught the metal poles with either hand. Crossing his arms and tipping sideways, he lowered the longer pipe, while raising the leg slightly. Muireann swore as he made a scissor motion with the two, the pipe smacking her knees as the leg whacked her alongside the head. Touma winced, dropping the two as he fell sideways, avoiding the selkie as she crashed into the wall behind him.
A yelp was heard as Tsuchimikado judo threw the headless figure into the wolf as Aogami restrained it. They ran over to Touma who was covering Komoe with his body and helped him up as the fey recovered again. The three gazed a few moments into each other's eyes before nodding slightly.
Touma turned around as Aogami and Tsuchimikado gently lifted Komoe. Othinus glanced between them with slight curiosity, "hold on! Was that what I think it was… did you three just communicate without speaking?" A small grin formed on her face, "did I just witness the fabled bro code? I thought it was just a joke, guess even I can be wrong sometimes."
Glaring at Muireann, Touma spoke to the two perverts, "you guys take Komoe-sensie and get her to safety okay? This Kamijou-san will keep these magical idiots busy and try not to die." He flashed them a strained grin, "after that, we're gonna finish our discussion while I beat your faces in for claiming I have a harem."
"Heh…" Aogami smirked as a shudder was heard, Itsuwa and Misaka managed to push the tree back a few steps as they worked together. "You got it Kami-yan, we'll take care of Komoe-sensie, shame really," he sighed. "Looks like you'll be adding a chocolate selkie to your harem, welp! I'll complain later. You better give her a good smack for putting Komoe-sensie in danger!"
"Oi! Kami-nyah!" Tsuchmikado said with a serious gaze, "don't die on us okay? We wouldn't have anyone to take our misfortune away if you did." He glanced at the tree, "probably would help if someone could call a lightning bolt down on our evil ent friend there." Misaka sent him a small glare as she pulled a mass of iron sand up to crash into the 'ent' as Tsuchimikado called it.
"Oi! You, blond mortal with the sunglasses," Othinus called out, "think you can give me that nail next to the chalkboard?" She pointed with a small smirk, Tsuchimikado raised an eyebrow before smiling. He grabbed the nail and handed it to Aogami who tossed it to Othinus, "good. Now then, get out of here before the Human has to deal with three unconscious people."
Aogami and Tsuchimikado nodded and began making their way to the door as fast as they could. Muireann raised an eyebrow and held her hand up, causing the two figures, either side of her to pause, allowing them to leave. Touma turned to her and clenched his right fist as Othinus held the nail out to the side like a fencing blade.
"You would give up an advantage, just ta let a innocent life escape," Muireann muttered confused. "I've seriously underestimate ya, Kamijou-Touma," she snarled quietly as she glared. "You're much harder ta kill than I was led ta believe," her eyes narrowed and she suddenly leapt back.
A streak of bright light, accompanied by a thunderclap tore through the wall as Mikoto landed a little ways away. She spun around with iron sand and sliced through the tree's branches keeping it at bay. Itsuwa landed beside Touma, panting slightly as she glared at the selkie.
"If you think we'll let you, then you got another thing coming selkie!" Itsuwa snapped as she held her friuli spear out. "The railgun has your Grindylow occupied which means I can protect Kamijou-san from you and your barguests." There was a spark of determination in those eyes as they stared each other down.
"No… Itsuwa… let me handle Seal-san, you handle the two headless wolf guys," Touma's gaze grew gentle. "I can deal with her as long as Othi-chan is with me," he smirked. Othinus gave a smug grin as she stood, hanging on to his collar.
Itsuwa went to protest but paused seeing the look in his eyes, "r-right Kamijou-san! I trust you have a plan then."
Muireann growled, suddenly kicking forward and swinging her daggers round. "Do ya think I'm just gonna stand around as ya bloody plan?" Her daggers sliced through the air as the Barguests ran forward to support.
Touma ducked down and elbowed Muireann in the gut, her daggers sailing over his head. Othinus ran along his shoulder and grabbed onto Muireann's wrist, swinging up, she stabbed her nail into Muireann's arm causing her to drop the blade and leap back. Itsuwa intercepted the barguests and forced them back with her spear, her eyes narrowed as Touma pulled back.
Sweat rolling down his brow, Touma stood as he lifted his hand up, "okay Seal-san. Mind telling this Kamijou-san... WHY THE HELL YOUR TRYING TO MURDER HIM!?" He swung his right hand as a spear of water was shot out. "What ever did I do to you, because, from this Kamijou-san's perspective, this is an unprovoked attack!"
"What do ya fōken think!?" Muireann snatched up the dagger she dropped, sliding behind Touma. "You are the greatest threat ta my kind there is, with that accursed right hand. Ya can kill practically any one of us with a single strike! Just like ya fōken destroyed arch-angel Gabriel during world war three!" Swinging her foot, she tried to trip Touma, nearly succeeding as the boy stumbled back. "Not only ave ya fōken taken on the roman catholics and god's right seat! But ya also bloody won the battle of Buhkingan palace during the british Halloween! And don't even get me bloody started on that shat show that was fōken world war three!" She spat that name out with venom as she tried to stab Touma only for him to trip and barely avoid her.
She leapt over him landing near a window as she slammed a foot down into the pools of water splattered around the classroom. "Ya ended that blasted conflict with a single fōken fist and sent that Fiamma guy packin! And then there was that group called GREMLIN! Ya fōken took on their leader, an actual honest ta fōken nuada magic god and beat her single handedly!" Whips of water rose up, lashing out at Touma who barely got his hand up in time to negate them. Othinus rotated on her hands as she kicked a dagger that Muireann had thrown to the side. "So, what do ya bloody think I'm trying ta kill ya for. Ya blasted supernatural entity murdering bastard!" Muireann's fist, crashed into Toumas stomach, as a water blade covered dagger nearly pierced his side.
Othinus swung down using Touma's coat strings, kicking the dagger away as Touma slid back. Landing on his opposite shoulder she whipped around with a disgusted look on her face. "Excuse me!? what was that?" she demanded as Muireann picked up her second dagger lying on the ground. Blood trickled down the selkie's arm as she wrapped a bit of cloth around it to staunch the bleeding. "My Understander wasn't such a muscle-brained moron that he could only throw that right fist of his. What he did was so much more than that, I'm offended you believe that I could be taken down merely by something as measly as Imagine Breaker. And if that were true, why is it you weren't destroyed by the first punch?"
Muireann paused, her eyes narrowing at Othinus, "why the bloody fuck do ya think I was sent ta kill him? I'm not like the others, I actually have a blasted chance ta do something. Who do ya think ya are ya little pixie! calling my trust inta fōken question." She kicked the teacher's podium forcing Touma to scramble aside as it crashed into the doors. "Unlike the others his accursed right hand can't kill me, all it'll do is tear my connection to the sea away!"
"Whoa! whoa! whoa! hold on, all of this is moving way to fast for this Kamijou-san." Touma stood, panting as a shudder went through the building. Itsuwa leapt over the two barguests as Misaka managed to lop the Grindylow's arms off again. "Up until a minute ago, I had literally no idea you guys even existed. Heck! I only just learned the word fey today. Yeah, had he known earlier, this Kamijou-san could guess you guys probably existed cause Othinus exists. But he'd never bother you guys, that's just gonna cause me more trouble than it's worth!"
"Othinus?" Muireann tilted her head and squinted at Othinus before her eyes widened. "So that's what those two blasted goddesses were talking about, how are ya even alive?! Everyone saw ya bloody crumble ta fōken fairy dust! what are ya doing here on that bastard's shoulder!" She jabbed her dagger at Touma as he got to his feet, "are ya part of his sick fōken plan too!?"
"Sick plan? honestly I have no clue what you're even talking about selkie, this human is my understander. There is no 'plan' he's just living his life, and doesn't need blindly vengeful Celtic fey trying to murder him for no reason." Othinus folded her arms over her small nail-spear a moment before shifting her grip in case the fey struck.
Muireann shook her head, "n-no! I don't believe ya! this is the exact kind of sick manipulative tactic I was fōken warned about!" She lunged forward as slid across the ground, the water on the floor gathering to push her forward. "I was told of what ya've done! and I won't let ya lay a finger on another fey!" her two daggers swung forward in a lateral arc, aimed directly at Touma's torso.
The boy paled and rolled along the arc of the blade, slipping in close in an attempt to avoid getting cut. He elbowed Muireann in the stomach as Othinus swung under his raised arm. She used the iron nail to nick Muireann's face, causing her to twitch and fumble as she skidded back. "S-sorry!" Touma said wincing, "but, if this Kamijou-san had any intention of harming you, or your fellow fey. How come he's not gone and punched those two barguests and the ent guy? I don't think they are immune to my Imagine breaker. But that's exactly why I'm not using it, Muireann-san... who told you that this Kamijou-san was a threat?"
"I..." Muireann paused again and found herself unable to properly respond. "Sh-shut up! I trust the person who told me this okay! why are ya still bloody talking!?" She raised her daggers once more, but this time did not charge him. "Th-this is just another trick isn't it!? you're just tryin ta get me ta let my guard down so ya can backstab me at the last moment right!?" Her face twitched ever so slightly, as if she was beginning to question herself.
"What would this Kamijou-san gain from tricking you like this," Touma tilted his head confused. "All it would do is cause both me, and you more pain than necessary. But... if you really don't trust me," he looked to Othinus, "Othi-chan... drop the nail... actually... throw it away."
"Are you sure about this human?" Othinus asked and looked into his eyes, a moment passed before she smiled. "I see, Very well, but, if she kills you, I'm going to wipe out her entire species." She threw the nail as hard as she could to the side, which wasn't very far. But it was the thought that mattered here, "there, do you want me to also tie up your right hand too?"
Touma frowned, "Othi-chan, could you not threaten people with genocide so casually? And um... no don't tie it up, but... if you could wrap it up so it doesn't accidentally touch anyone, then yes." The boy gave a sheepish smile as Muireann stared in confusion, a small shudder occurred as Mikoto fired a railgun. "I... don't want to hurt them Othi-san, any of them," he said, the former god nodded, crawling down and tore a piece of cloth from his outfit. She wrapped it around his right hand before using a safety pin she pulled out of her hat to clip it into place. "Thanks Othi-chan... I appreciate that," Touma turned to Muireann and raised his hands over his head. "See, Muireann-san? I mean you no harm... okay?" Othinus crawled back onto his shoulder where she sat, waiting for Muireann's response.
"Hold on! what the hell is that idiot doing!?" Mikoto shouted as she turned, only to get decked in the face by the grindylow. "OH COME ON!" she shouted as she fired a few railguns and even a lightning spear at the tree.
Itsuwa's eyes went wide as she tried to move in, only for the two barguests to get in the way. "Kamijou-san what do you think you're doing!? are you insane!? she's dangerous!"
But he ignored them, keeping his eyes firmly on Muireann, the selkie approached hesitantly. Bit by bit, much like a curious young seal would a human at the beach. Her daggers were brandished in front of her as she kept her eye on Touma. Pointing their blades at his vitals in case he tried anything, she shifted closer and closer, until she was right up next to him. Soft clicks exiting her lips as she tried to find any sign of a weapon.
Finally, she looked up into Touma's eyes, as the boy gave a soft smile and blinked. "What... what is the meaning of this? I could kill ya... right here... right now, why are ya leaving yaself so bloody exposed!? Even if ya god tried anything, she'd neva be able ta react in time before I slit ya throat." A confused expression was drawn on her face as she tried to understand what was going on.
"I want you to know that I'm telling the truth Muireann-san, this Kamijou-san isn't your enemy. He... understand why you're afraid, but um," he chuckled nervously. "Lets just say he thinks those stories are highly exaggerated, you'd be able to easily kill him, heck those barguests could and don't get this Kamijou-san started on your ent friend. Whoever told you I was your enemy, was either lying... or misunderstanding something, and this Kamijou-san wouldn't be surprised if it was the latter."
Muireann went to speak, but a lightning bolt struck down on the grindylow. The resounding thunder stunned her as she held both ears, her eyes watering with pain. Touma went to reach out, but the selkie bent back, avoiding a railgun that Mikoto had fired her way. She went to turn, but was smacked from behind by a flamberge sword, the glitter of magnetic paint coating the edge.
Touma's eyes slowly widened as Muireann cried out in agony, unable to react as she crashed into the far wall. The massive grindylow went to strike at the newcomer but was knocked back as well. Its massive branches slumped as it crashed to the ground, taking huge portions of the floor with it.
"Touma! Touma! Are you alright!?" Index cried out, leaping off Tatemiya as she ran over. "You aren't hurt are you? We saw her pressing her daggers against you and I… I." Lip quivering she tugged on his outfit, "she didn't injure you did she? You're not bleeding anywhere right?"
The boy tried to push her off as Tatemiya stepped up beside him. "No need to worry Kamijou Touma, we got your back now, they won't be able to touch you." He pointed his blade at Muireann as her head lowered, "surrender selkie, and we can settle this peacefully. We'd rather not fight you or your friends, so lay down your weapons and no one gets hurt."
The other Amakusas emerged from around the area readying for the next move. The Grindylow, slowly rising again as Muireann shook silently.
"Liah…" the girl muttered something in english before her head whipped up with renewed yet uncertain hatred. "LIAH!" she shouted as her body slowly lit with runes. "Ya sick bastard! Fōken taken advantege of meh weak heart! Ya was just bloody buying time fo ya blasted friends ta get ere weren't ya!?" A shockwave was heard, sending leaves and branches flying. "Lets get teh fōk outta ere Jeanna! We gottah regroup!"
"Understood my dear friend~" the grindylow's deep voice chimed as creaking was heard causing Touma's eyes to go wide.
"EVERYONE GET BACK!" he shouted, tackling Index out of the way just as the grindylow leapt.
The entire area shuddered as an immense shockwave sent things flying. The already unstable building proceeded to collapse. Itsuwa and Misaka quickly leapt into action using Magnetism and magic to soften both their's and Touma's fall.
As the dust settled, Touma sat up rubbing his head. Index below him holding her hands against her chest as she blushed. Othinus was clinging to his coat as he stood up and dusted off his clothes.
The remains of what had once been his classroom looked the same as when that mummy High Priest had attacked. Touma's eye twitched as he gazed at the pile of rubble and stray classroom furniture. Coughing was heard as the Amakusas and others pulled themselves out no worse for wear.
"That was close," Tatemiya coughed and glanced over. "But it looks like things weren't a complete loss," his eyes fell upon the two headless flaming figures laying on the ground. "Restrain those barguests, maybe we can get something from them," he said and a few Amakusa moved in.
Misaka wiped sweat from her brow and stomped over to Touma as his head lowered. "Alright Idiot, you need to explain yourself, now! What the hell were you thinking? I know you're an idiot, but leaving yourself completely exposed to an attack is an entirely new level of stupidity even for you." She jabbed her finger at him glaring, "are you trying to get yourself killed idiot? Because you definitely seemed to be asking for it."
Itsuwa dusted herself off and placed her hands on her hips glaring. "Exactly Kamijou-san, she could have killed you! Why would you willingly leave yourself exposed like that? What if she decided to run you through with those daggers of hers?"
Index's eyes suddenly narrowed as she sat up, "wait! Touma willingly put himself in harm's way again?" she demanded and the two girls nodded. "Touma! What would you do that for? Othinus why didn't you stop him!" she demanded the small god as she returned to her usual spot on his shoulder.
"Do you really think that my human is foolish enough to try something like that without considering the consequences?" The war god crossed her arms, glaring, "he was well aware of the danger and certainly had no intention of getting killed. Had she attempted to attack, he'd have moved away before she struck" She scoffed, flicking her hair back, "I don't expect you childish naive girls only interested in 'the hero', to understand."
"Excuse me?" Mikoto snapped, "are you deaf? That dagger chick was way too quick, even had you tried to move it'd be too late. She may not be on the same level as those saints, but she's definitely faster than you idiot! Just what do you think you could have done had she decided to kill you?" she demanded as she glared at Touma. "No way am I gonna risk it on some stupid gamble idiot."
Touma looked away as Othinus sighed, "you really underestimate my human sometimes. Besides, if she had succeeded in killing him, I'd have wiped out the rest of her species. He doesn't need your help railgun, you ruined his plan by attacking the selkie with your 'railgun'. Now he's going to have to start over," she scoffed and turned away.
"Touma?... is she telling the truth?" Index asked with a nervous look. "Were you trying to save the selkie?" she spoke hesitantly as if worried. Touma nodded, causing her head to drop, "oh… we ruined that didn't we? I'm sorry Touma, I won't get in the way next time," her fist clenched as Touma flashed her a smile and pat her head.
"You can't get the chance if you're dead Kamijou-san!" Itsuwa stated. "Misaka-san is right, you took a needless risk and could have been killed because of it. Next time think before you go and make yourself vulnerable like that!" She crossed her arms and huffed, turning her head up.
"Oi! You are not free of blame, Amakusa girl," Othinus snapped, irritated. "What in my name do you think you and the railgun were for? Without you two keeping the Barguests and Grindylow busy, he'd never have gotten that chance. The Railgun ruined it by firing a coin at the Selkie just when the human was about to get through to her. And your friends didn't help by jumping in when they did."
"Othinus!" Touma said sternly, "that's enough… Misaka-san and Itsuwa-san had good intentions. But I get why you're upset with them, however… Tatemiya and them didn't know I had left myself open on purpose. From their perspectives all they saw was this Kamijou-san being backed into a corner by an aggressive seal girl with her daggers to his throat."
Sighing, the shrunk god pouted, "fine human, you win, but I'm not happy, they need to stop questioning you." Crossing her arms she continued, "I know what you're thinking however. And, you're right, as long as she's still alive you can keep trying to get through to her." She gave a small smile at the boy, "you nearly did get through to her after all. Something tells me by the time we next meet her, she's going to be shoving that coat of her's into your arms."
Touma gave a confused expression, "why would she do that Othi-chan? I don't know alot about Selkie's but isn't their coat important?" He shook his head and smiled slightly, "but, thanks anyways Othi-chan, knew you'd at least get it."
"Hmph!" Othinus smugly grinned as he rubbed the top of her head with his finger. "I'm your understander Human, of course I knew what you were trying to do."
Misaka's mouth opened to speak, but Tatemiya interrupted her, "shit!..." he began. "You're telling me, you nearly resolved that situation peacefully and we ruined it?" He grimaced, "ahhh… yeah that's my bad, I just saw the selkie on you with her daggers and acted. I didn't even consider the idea that you were trying to talk to her. I should have realized it sooner, no way would you look so calm if you were in danger." He rubbed the back of his neck, laughing embarrassed.
"That's fine Tatemiya-san, you were just trying to save this Kamijou-san's stupid ass. You couldn't have known he was trying to talk Muireann-san down when she was aiming her daggers at his throat. For that… thanks," he flashed a kind smile, before sighing as he looked off into the distance. "I just hope that something this Kamijou-san got to her… maybe next time I can finally get through to her."
The ground shook every so often as a shadow passed across the skylines. The massive Grindylow leapt through the air, forcing vehicles on the road to swerve as distant sirens echoed in the distance. Standing in its branches as they headed towards the river, the wind whipping her hair. Muireann frowned, biting her lip, they were heading to pick up the maiden since the attack failed.
Yet… the words that the boy had spoken kept echoing in her mind as she was unable to shake them.
"This Kamijou-san isn't your enemy"
"Shut it ya lying bastard," she muttered under her breath, "ya fōken tricked me inta letting me guard down. Just so ya blasted friends could attack me from behind," her grip on the branches tightened. "No way am I gonna trust ya afta something like that," she frowned uncertainly. "So… why the fōk can't I get ya outta me head?" she muttered, fist shaking.
His friends may have attacked while she was talking to him. But, it was also true that Touma had not once attempted to strike a lethal blow. There had not been an ounce of hostility in his eyes, and he had even gone out of his way to eliminate his greatest weapon against her.
Would someone go through all that effort, just to backstab her? She had been right there with her daggers poised at his throat. She could have killed him then and there, but he had left himself open anyway. Could she really pass all that off as deceit because his allies had struck her? Couldn't they have just been trying to protect the boy from her? It wasn't like they had tried to kill her, they had just asked that she surrender.
" Muireann-san... who told you that this Kamijou-san was a threat?"
Her voice quivered as she bared her canines, "just… shut it already!" she hissed. "Who do ya think ya are questioning them? Ya don't know the first thing bout em, they'ed nevah lie ta me about something like that. Not if me dad trusted em this much, don't ya dare question em ya fōken bastard"
But, there was nothing that said their information was accurate either.
"Muireann? Is something the matter?" the low, creaky tone of the grindylow asked. "The bane of the fey didn't manage to touch your coat did he?" there was concern in their voice as they approached a large iron bridge.
Muireann shook her head a little, n-no… it's nothing, let's just get Meab and report back already." She sighed, holding her sinuses, "that bastard's way more difficult ta bloody kill than we anticipated. We'll probably ave ta try that whole 'use 'is misfortune against em' thingy we were told bout."
The ground shuddered as the grindylow landed beside the river, "I see… but let's wait for our banshee friend to give it a go. Wouldn't want to waste effort on something we never use," a rattling sigh was heard as the grindylow's branches settled.
"Alright," the young selkie sighed as she sat down, "guess it's a good plan." She gazed up at the clouds, a frown on her face as she leaned against the grindylow's trunk.
Yet… somewhere in the back of her mind… she couldn't help but ask herself.
Was Kamijou Touma really their enemy like they were told?
A/N:[
Craytherlay- I… have to say, this chapter was fun to remake but also annoying as all hell to deal with. There was a few months where I was waiting for Rails to take a spin at writing out one of the scenes into the story. And it turns out, he entirely misunderstood what I said, I misunderstood what he said. And we were both huge ass dumb dumbs all the way round.
Dragonrails- meh it was an honest mistake from the both of us, so I'm not too hung up over it. Although I'll probably take a chance to write out a scene in future chapter's.
Craytherlay- I look forward to that then, anyways, this chapter was well mostly a big old fight scene. As old readers would notice, the biggest change was including Mikoto into the battle. Originally when I wrote this chapter in the old version. I didn't want to have to deal with the hassle of working with Mikoto's character. But this time round, I felt it provided an opportunity, having her fight the Grindylow in the background to set up the stakes properly.
Dragonrails- Her character has always been somewhat difficult, even for me. For example in my Touma Ticket story I only made one Mikoto chapter manly because I felt like I couldn't write her character right, but editing her scene did give me an opportunity to get used to her character.
Craytherlay- Thats great to hear, often when it comes to writing characters that aren't yours any bias you have tends to mess with your attempts. However, acknowledging those biases allows you to work around them and look out for it. For example… my immense Kamikoto hate, that fuels long ass essays on why Mikoto's a shit partner for Touma. But, I do believe we did well with her here. Moving on, the initial confrontation between Touma and Muireann was kept mostly the same but given an immense overhaul.
Dragonrails- I did like the original, but given the opportunity to fix it and make it better was great, I've done the same myself, I also felt from comparing the two, the new version had more of an impact then the original.
Craytherlay- the original was fucking shit dude, isn't it your job to tell me that you went mad reading it? But jokes aside, you are right that this version was much more impactful. It is soooooooo much better than the crap I wrote the first time, like that stuff makes eyes bleed. But this time it was fairly good stuff, and the banter between the characters definitely helped there. Especially once we get to the Deltaforce Teamup, like damn… how did I put up with the old version?
Dragonrails- …..
…..
…..
I'm sorry my job? You know I was being generous and saying it wasn't that horrible, but since you had to question my ability to tell your original shit to barely passable shit you have now, trust me the original made me almost want you to rewrite the entire thing word by word, the fact that a 6 year old could write better crap then you speaks volumes! Anyways remember you're a trash writer till I say otherwise.
Craytherlay- Dude you weren't even properly on the project till fucking what? Chapter 20. Besides… the fuck you think the point of this remaster is? I am rewriting those old chaps. But good… I was worried a moment, thought you may have been on something. Glad to know the badcop is still in house… anyways, the Deltaforce… that was a fun thing to rewrite but had one annoying piece in it that had to go through a number of iterations before we decided it was passable didn't it?
Dragonrails- it was something that was quickly noticed when first read it, given the amount of times it had to be improved to what you had now, was a challenge even for me I could tell that part wasn't going to be easy.
Craytherlay- Yeah, but sadly because of a certain thing I told you about. It was necessary, but while still likely the weakest part of the chap. That part should be okay now, anyways the real reason that even existed was to make way for the Deltaforce being complete badasses.
Dragonrails- making them complete badasses was great, it had a good unexpectedency to it. So I'm sure the readers enjoyed it.
Craytherlay- It also had some comedic value in it to, having them be more concerned with their argument over wether Touma has a harem or not. Rather than the fact a group of murderous fey are trying to kill them. I felt the banter between their actions added with the reactions of both Mikoto and Muireann definitely made the deltaforce team up scene shine.
Dragonrails- I, liked their reaction for me it was priceless.
Craytherlay- Of course the actual flow of the battle was kept mostly the same. But refined quite a bit, so while we still had the Deltaforce split up because they had to protect Komoe. It's no longer rushed and we actually give them a last little team combo before Aogami and Tsuchi leave. I was also luckily able to work in small bits of KamiOthi teamwork as well cause that happens a bit in the first half of the story. Of course then, we had the inevitable, Touma vs Muireann confrontation. Which is where that hilarious misunderstanding came from. I had written a rough draft of it in our discord DM's and told rails he could take a hand at writing it into the doc if he wanted. He had seemed to say he'd give it a go… and then like two months later we realized we both were big dumb dumb. However… once we resolved it… oh this scene was lovely to write. Me and rails asked ourselves 'how would Touma's exploits look to an outsider'. Which led to that amazing rant by Muireann which me and rails spent hours on.
Dragonrails- it was an interesting concept to think of, especially in this case for LOCG it just gives you an insight from an outsiders point of view of Touma's actions and in some cases Touma be could seen as a hero or Villain and how his influence works on characters.
Craytherlay- Exactly, and things like this of course will be very important for the sequel storties. But what's interesting here, is it's not just a outsider's pov. It's rather an outsider's pov filtered through a malicious lens. A lens that old readers know all too well I'd wager, which brings us to the opposite end of that spectrum. Othinus, her relationship and connection to Touma was given a large focus this time around. Now that me and rails know how important the relationship and what it represents is to the story. During this rewrite we've taken the chance to reinforce that bond. Such as when Touma decided to leave himself open to Muireann.
Dragonrails- it was a good decision to be honest, we both felt like it could be a impactful scene so having Touma risking himself like that fit the bill in my opinion.
Craytherlay- Indeed, Touma's main 'superpower' is his uncanny ability to understand the human… or selkie in this case, heart. And Othinus as his understander, would know what he's trying to do and why. Muireann is obviously not a bad person, and while Othinus wouldn't hesitate to commit genocide to protect Touma. She also knows to allow Touma to try and save people as it's what makes him strong. This also allowed us to show the difference between the girls and their connection to Touma. With Misaka, Itsuwa, and Index all reacting with varying degrees of emotion towards his actions.
Dragonrails- I thought it was a great scene and the banter was on point, I did like that Othinus was not hesitant in her threatening genocide and Itsuwa's responses were great since she didn't expect Touma to leave himself open. As well as Index's. Mikoto not so much in my opinion figured she react the way she would usually react.
Craytherlay- Well… you saying Mikoto didn't react the way she normally would? But yes, each of them showed a varying level of understanding in relation to Touma's actions. Mikoto and Itsuwa having the least, Itsuwa because she's not really been around Touma enough to figure it out. And Mikoto because well… she's Mikoto, but where Itsuwa showed concern over Touma's health. Mikoto showed anger at Touma's actions, considering what he did Stupid. Meanwhile, Index, while initially angry, quickly grew regretful once she realized Touma was trying to resolve things peacefully. Which now finally brings us to the new Muireann segment. It wasn't in the original story of course, but it was an important addition in my eyes. Showing the cracks beginning to form that eventually lead our favorite Selkie down the path she ends up on at the end of the Story.
Dragonrails- my favorite scenes are the Muireann segments, her showing her badassary was an enjoyment and her reaction to Touma was priceless. Her talk with Othinus did make her rethink her information, plus her reactions in the comedy scenes were awesome I had a good visual of it. And considering what ideas we've talked about before I'm sure her presence in the story will be greater.
Craytherlay- I mean Muireann is just fun, and adorable… and precious… fuck I accidentally made a bestgirl with her. Anyways, we were able to give her the love and attention she deserved in these rewrites. Originally, we never realized how big a role she'd play in this story… and now we do. Which is why when rewriting these chapters, we've given her a larger focus. And yeah… her reactions were pretty damn good, and when we do get to those sequels. Boy… I really hope the readers love the badass girl she becomes.
Thanks for sticking with us till the end, working on this story has been a real joy for me. I'm sorry that this chap took so long to post, but I hope you guys will enjoy it. Till next time… let us close this book on a tale of an infinity for now.
