Painted Prison Chronicles

by Sparity Ikari

When Kamijou Touma and Gokusai sisters reunite after a long while, things certainly go crazy for all of them when they found themselves living together through random twists of fate. In their daily life, Touma, Amazora, Kaibi, and Rikuri will learn about each other, with their light, darkness, and pasts revealed. Among the misfortune, comedy, and romance, their bonds blossom anew!

19. Chapter 19

PAINTED PRISON CHRONICLES

CHAPTER 19

RIKURI II

Hi there! I am back, and with two chapters this time. This chapter and the next will be published in a short period of time between them. I hope this will make you as satisfied as it made me. It's finally Rikuri time! I missed giving her the spotlight, and I remember many enthusiastic comments when Rikuri I was published. It's spectacular how many things you can do with Rikuri as a character. For someone with not so much canon appearance, the possibilities are vast and I always feel entertained while writing her scenes and interactions. Not to mention her romance with Touma, at least in my head, is a great showcase of how something very sensual and physical can also be romantic and sentimental.

And to all the great artists in the fandom: I beg you, do Rikuri some justice, and draw her in all of her beauty in your amazing arts. I know that she is a one volume character, but come on, she needs to have more arts. I mean, look at her! She deserves it so if you have artistic inclinations, draw some underappreciated characters. I would do that, but sadly, drawing is not my talent. I mean, I would love to have some scenes from my imagination drawn, but I simply can't convey it in that form. Some art of Gokusai sisters with Touma would also be really cute and wholesome.

And speaking of cute and wholesome, in the future you can expect both Index's and Birdway's arrival! Partially humoristic and partially serious, it will be crucial in the dynamics of sister with Touma. As you can probably expect, in case of Birdway it will be Amazora's time to shine. She will surely get more than enough of attention in this 2nd arc with Birdway involved. You will probably need to wait a little longer for those chapters (technical explanations are in foreword for next chapter) but it will come for sure!

This story took me through many emotions and endeavours while following our heroes. Thank you so much for over 160 favourites and 200 follows!

Jonnysbeas Padro Veliz: I can understand the joy of having a nice rest with a good read after coming back from the university, so I am very glad you enjoy my work.

Kai: To say origins of Imagine Breaker are contradictory is an euphemism... I think we didn't even reach the water surface in the iceberg...

Mr. X: I didn't realize that there were 16 in total, I realized that there were at least 16, but didn't realize that was all of them. Interesting. Also, I think at this point is is hard to say for sure what dragons are, it may be slightly easier to say what they are not (but that may be hard too).

RenHaryo1: Yeah, New Light doesn't get much recognition. To be honest, that is the case for many good characters that could be even better if given enough space to shine.

Without further delay, let's begin!

It was raining.

The droplets of rain created small streams on the panoramic apartment windows, as Touma and his 4 roommates, 3 siblings plus ex-god, relaxed in the living room.

Touma found it calming and soothing that the sisters changed into their most casual clothes. Amazora kicked her feet laying on the sofa, dressed up in the pyjama with small comic-styled explosions, Kaibi laid down on the carpet in the pink and gold T-shirt with a name of some band Touma didn't recognize, while Rikuri got back into her CHEMICAL ROMANCE shirt, combing it with an expensive looking white sleeping gown. This attire, like most of the other she owned, exposed the sides of her thighs and pronounced her hourglass-like waist.

"Ne... I am bored." Amazora groaned, rolling around to her back and looking at Touma while upside down "Onii-chan, can't we do something fun? Like shooting to street signs down the street?"

"I am pretty sure you are the only one who considers casual shooting a fun activity"

"That's nothing. When she was smaller, she wanted to shoot at the rain droplets" Kaibi snickered, without looking away from her fingernails, which she was expertly polishing" It was amusing to watch"

"Onee-chan is so mean!" the youngest member of the household now sported an impressive pouting face" I wanted to be like those cool girls in the movies that can split bullets with other bullets!"

"I don't know about bullets, but I know someone that can totally split bullets with a sword"

"Hwaaah?!" that picked the girl's interest. Kaibi and Rikuri also looked bewildered" That sounds so cool! Is this a friend of yours?"

"Well, I hope so... we know each other because she is one of the best friends of my roommate, but we also had couple of shared adventures in the past."

"Really?! Can I meet her?! She sounds like a samurai!"

(MEANWHILE, IN THE UK)

"And for this reason, this group of casters should be dispatched to har... ha...hakshoo!"

Kanzaki Kaori had to pause her strategic raport to deal with an unexpected sneeze.

"Bless you, miss Kanzaki"

"Excuse me" she politely uttered, while frowning slightly.

'What's this? With my body, my immune system is excellent and almost flawless.'

Indeed, Kanzaki almost never had colds and certainly didn't have allergies. So it didn't explain why Kanzaki had to focus not to sneeze a second time. That feeling didn't pass.

'Is that because I am showered with great amount of attention, like that superstition goes? But... Amakusa always praises me, all the time. So is it someone else, someone special? Is... is it him? Talking about me? Oh my god... I-I am not prepared for that... K-Kamijou-san, t-this is very flattering but...'

As her sudden fantasy reached its peak, she was brought down to earth.

"Ekhm!" Dion Fortune coughed loudly" I am sure that you are not blushing from thinking about the planned action to deal with renegade cabals, so if you kindly go back to me, it would be delightful."

Kanzaki momentarily straightened up, feeling the blush deepening on her face.

"Y-Yes! Of course, your excellency!"

(BACK IN KAMIJOU + GOKUSAI APARTMENT)

"Maybe one day... you like samurais, Amazora?"

"Hmm... not really, but a super-cool swordsman is like a natural opponent for my gattling gun. I will challenge them into the fierce and epic battle!"

"R-Right... of course you will..."

"Hah, so it's a girl? Why am I not surprised... let me guess, is she Rikuri nee-san's age?" Kaibi scanned him from head to toe, while Rikuri's ears almost visibly twitched as she suddenly got very interested in Touma's friend.

"W-Well, you are right actually. Though she is not exactly the same type, more of a... genki, I guess? She is very fit and athletic, very strong and fast, but also feminine, friendly, loyal, honourable..."

"Don't get all crazy with adjectives, Rikuri nee-san is withering away"

"I-I am not. But just on the side note, if fitness women are more of your type Kamijou-san, I surely can-"

"Nee-san, you can barely lift 3 kg dumbbell"

"W-Which side are you on, Kaibi-chan?! There is no base strong enough for acid of your words!"

Rikuri turned around in demonstration of her displeasure and began to fix something in one of mechanical parts for her drone equipment. It was almost magical, how her long and slender fingers danced on the cold metal, disassembling and assembling, taking apart or attaching, severing as well as connecting, as if it was some kind of dance that Rikuri's hands knew all too well. In moments like those, Touma could not stop looking at her at work. Maybe it was because of sheer mastery her skill. Or maybe because, despite dealing with machinery and dangerous substances, Rikuri had very flawless skin and attractively looking hands.

The silence reigned for maybe 5 minutes, before Amazora groaned once again

"Onii-chan! Nothing changed and I am even more bored!"

Touma sighed and looked around, trying to find something that would keep his energetic honorary sibling satisfied.

"What to do, what to do... oh, I know, maybe we will play video games?! I brought some when I moved in here, and didn't quite have the occasion to play it..."

"Yay! That sounds better than laying down and listening to the rain"

"Do you play?"

"Guys from my class let me play once."

"What about you two? Do you want to join?"

"Sure, why not. Sounds interesting" Rikuri shrugged and shifted closer to them." Kaibi-chan?"

"Even if I don't think I fancy playing such games, you wouldn't stop pestering me until I tried so there you have it, I will play"

"Onii-chan, what type of game is it?"

"It's a street-fighter game. You need to have coordination and precision for it, but it's supposedly very popular. Now, I've only played it once since buying it and I never tried team mode, so I am pretty much very curious about how it turns out..."

Soon enough, the 4 of them (Touma didn't dare to propose Othinus to play, since she always got pissed when the commodities of life weren't compatible with her size) sat down, with consoles active and game in action.

Very quickly, the level of their abilities appeared, making itself obviously clear. Amazora and Touma were more or less equal, which actually came to surprise Touma. Although he was by no means an advanced gamer, he considered himself rather decent after some fights with Aogami and Tsuchimikado. Amazora didn't have all the needed coordination and wasn't the best in defending herself from hits, but had precision and tenacity to execute attacks so she was on top in many situations.

Kaibi struggled quite a lot and although she memorized the pad techniques and combinations rather quickly, she didn't quite translated them into motional prowess needed to claim victory. Ironically, her losses made her even more tenacious and stubborn in repeating her efforts than Amazora, whose age would make it more plausible for a tantrum to occur.

However, Rikuri was undisputable champion. She seemed to play effortlessly and even allowed herself a yawn or two. The game itself didn't seem to bore her, but her skills were on another level, and she didn't even attempt to hide the overflowing amount of sassy aura, to Kaibi's infuriation.

"Nee-san, you said you didn't play in this before!"

"Oh my, I didn't! But you know, Kaibi-chan, when you operate drones, you have to have quick fingers, multitask, and know the precise moments in which to input commands. So a console like this might be a bit underwhelming..."

"N-No fair! Onii-chan, don't you have some kind of shooting games?!"

"Right, right! Then I would have the advantage too!"

"Unfortunately, no, but we can play darts later on..."

"Gokusai Kaibi is not a quitter! I will best this, you shall see!"

And so they played, and played, and played, until Kaibi finally sighed and got up. Her overall performance as a player got better, but was still nowhere near the other's level.

"I am going to go for a search. I want to move a little bit, regardless of the weather."

"Fufufu, onee-chan is a sore loser..."

"I heard that!"

And so, Kaibi went to dress up for coming out. When she returned and was changing into her outdoor shoes, Touma went to her side.

"You go out to find him? Kakine?"

"How did you... this is not what you think! You don't have to worry about a thing"

"Why would I worry... Ow! Why did you stomp on my foot, looking all pissed. As for how I know, come on! I am not some genius, but I notice things when they count"

"Hmm... yeah, I hope to find him. I seriously need to talk with him. Also, if I find this Oriana friend of yours, I need to ask her some questions"

"They both evaded you so far. I don't know much about Kakine, we met only once, but Oriana has her own means to avoid detection."

"This is not a reason to give up. This is very important to me. And in the weather like this, they might have their guards down"

Touma, noticing that he can't convince the girl to stay, took out a raincoat and a scarf.

"Your coat is more fancy than warm, so take mine. It's a little bit too big, but it shouldn't hinder your moves or anything. And the scarf should keep you warm and prevent the wind from getting inside"

"Tch, I am not a baby, I can dress myself for cold. You sound like some kind of a housewife."

But even while saying that, Kaibi blushed softly while covering her throat with a scarf. Her eyes sparkled with intensity as Touma adjusted the hood on her head, being careful not to damage Kaibi's hairstyle too much.

"... but besides that... thanks. I appreciate your thoughtfulness."

"No problem. Wouldn't want you to catch a cold"

"Why didn't you give me an umbrella?"

"You like to have your hands free in case you had to use weapons under your skirt. So raincoat is better for you than umbrella"

The blush deepened, as Kaibi turned around

"Ekhm... it seems you really know my preferences better than I anticipated. Well, wish me luck..."

"Sure. Take care, keep your phone charged and don't stay too long out there. If something happens, I will come for you" Touma waved at her as the doors closed.

"Hmm... what a sight" Rikuri smiled coyly, standing beside him" you know, many would kill for my sister to look at them in the way she looks at you~"

"With irritation?"

"Not quite~. Hmm... look, we did the impossible" Rikuri discretely pointed at the sofa. Amazora was napping quietly on the pillows. Touma found it eerily dissonant with Amazora's usual self.

"She sometimes gets sleepy on the rainy days like this one. One moment she has tons of energy, the next she naps. She is like our cute little kitten" Rikuri cooed, giving Amazora a warm look.

The gattling gun user didn't seem to be the only one affected by the sleepiness of rainy weather. On the feeling of touch inside of his pocket, Touma turned around and leaned so Othinus could speak freely

"Human, I will have a bath and then I will follow her example in napping as if there is no tomorrow"

Othinus yawned which was very cute given her small size and Touma rubbed her head with a finger.

"Fine. Do you want me to make you some fries for when you wake up? I know you love potato dishes"

"I knew that all of our progress basically amounted to this, but I will repeat it: having an Understander is wonderful"

And so, Touma went to the toilet and prepared small bath for Othinus in one of the empty bowls. After her reassurance that she will be able to take things from there on her own, he retreated back to the living room, alone with Gokusai Rikuri, sleeping Amazora, and the sound of the rain beyond the window.

(10 MINUTES LATER)

"Mhm. Rikuri, you really improved. Now, I only get slight nausea and only half of food is burnt"

"Mou, this compliment stings. But you love when onee-chan is feeding you, right? Say 'aaaaaaah!'"

"You really don't need to-mhm?!"

The older girl only giggled, as she and Touma finished preparing their snacks. Now, they sat on the sofa. The slightly red faced Touma was being fed by Rikuri, whose famed maternal instincts were taking over in the moments like that one.

To distract himself if only a little bit, Touma gently brushed through Amazora's hair, eliciting giggles and smiles from the sleeping girl.

"It's strange, looking how peaceful she is now." Touma smiled, as Amazora snuggled closer to him" She is nothing like this when awake"

"Truly, and she was never this peaceful before. She never smiled in her sleep until you came around. You know, Amazora is not much of a dweller on heavy matters, but she is truly thankful to you for saving her life. And I am too of course. You really do not realize how much of a great importance such behaviour was for dark siders. You had two cute girls unconscious on your mercy and acted like a true gentleman... honestly, I couldn't help but feel that you were cool after recalling all of that"

"I think you are letting your imagination go a little bit too wild, but no thanks needed. I would help you again if there was a need"

"It's nice to hear that... have to say, you had me completely fooled back then. To seemingly attack a girl that you rescued a moment before... no offense, but your mind isn't exactly normal. To not break under such pressure is just... unimaginable."

"Yeah, I heard that a lot..." Touma didn't know what else to add to Rikuri's confession.

Rikuri rested her head on his shoulder. Touma didn't know if he should scold or congratulate himself on accustoming himself to the Potion Lady's more teasing side.

"It's kind of hard to believe that that was way over a year ago. So many things happened..."

"Yeah, you wouldn't believe just how crazy this time was..."

"To be honest, knowing you, I probably would have a little bit of trouble. But I would like to keep an open mind, especially in regard to you. So, I was thinking... why don't you show me a little bit of yourself?"

"What do you mean?"

Rikuri looked him in the eye and let her hair loose (it was still tied up after the cooking) in one swift motion.

"Simply put, Kamijou... I like you. A lot. And this makes me insatiably curious about you. If I knew where you came from, I think this would bring us closer together. Wouldn't you like that?"

Kamijou Touma was doomed even before that sentence was finished. Even if he usually could stand his ground when it came to the sisters' whims, this was not one of those moments. How could he refuse those sparkling, violet-pink eyes, that seemed to reflect his entire being in them.

"Yeah, I totally want to get closer to you" Touma said, hopeful that his face didn't go any redder than it already was" Which is exactly why I wish that you would do the same thing for me."

"Hmm? Oh, you must mean..."

"Tell me, Rikuri-san. Tell me the story of Gokusai family."

The lightning flashed outside, followed soon by the roar of thunder. Amazora stirred slightly in her nap.

Touma could not believe how ominous the timing was, and judging from the slight shiver by his side, Rikuri thought so too.

"Oh my, it seems the storm is coming"

(15 MINUTES LATER)

Amazora was laid on the futon in the living room, close to them. And as for our pair of interest...

"Umm... Rikuri...san..."

"Yes? Is something the matter?"

"I know this is an important moment, but the pressing issue we need to address is... why on earth are you almost naked?!"

Rikuri made an innocent face. To be frank, she wasn't naked. She still wore bra and panties, yet this was everything she had on herself for a moment.

"I simply can't focus while the clothes restrict me in such a crucial moment in our relationship development. Also, it will give me focus I need. You are the best in warming me up"

"I would like to deny the fact that we have experience in confirming that fact, but... I would betray my soul of a man and onee-san lover if I said you weren't great as well"

Rikuri smiled triumphantly, but then paused, going deep in thought about something.

"Come to think of it... what is the best part of it?"

"Of what?"

"Oh, you know. I have no problem with laying down with you, it even gives me pleasure. So I am interested in what makes it a good thing for you"

Touma stopped in his tracks. He looked up, unsure, but Rikuri rather unceremoniously slapped the spot by her side with her hand, indicating for him sit down. So he did.

"Well, if you ask me, there is no easy answer."

"Come on, onee-chan will take anything. Don't be shy"

"Well, if I had to choose, I would say that you are really flexible"

"Ho~? Well, I am not all that fit, but I can stretch rather well in bed-"

"T-THAT'S NOT THE KIND OF FLEXIBILITY I MEANT! What I said was... even though you like being in control and have seductive side, you are also very considerate. Even though no one in the right mind would reject going... ekhm... all out... the fact that you are kind enough to talk, lay down, and take things with various paces is very charming"

There was a moment of silence, before Rikuri broke into a beautiful smile and Touma was pulled into a hug, once again landing face first in her bust.

"Kyah, you score 100 points boy! I would of course accept any answer, but to be honest, I am very happy that you notice this side of me. I know it might be strange, taking by how I look like, but the romantic side of me is something I cherish. I think that if both sides find a compromise in their pace, the ultimate result of happiness would be that much sweeter"

"Are you not... upset, that I didn't say you are beautiful?"

Rikuri smiled and closed her face to Touma's, with a small wink

"I don't want to sound arrogantly, but your reactions are telling me that all the time. It's honestly much more adorable and heartfelt than mere words. I am actually rather flattered"

She then looked down at Touma's pants, and raised an eyebrow.

"That being said... let's both get comfortable..."

"R-Rikuri-san... is getting my pants down really necessary..."

"Don't be scared, I won't bite... unless you want me to, that is"

"Yes... no! Maybe? Damn it, Index, was biting me some strange preparation for this to awaken? I seriously don't know what to think about this!"

After small struggle and a bit of womanly distraction, the pants and shirt were discarded, leaving Touma only with boxers, laying down near Rikuri under the blanket, as they watched the rain fall and listened to the sounds of the storm.

If Touma were to list 10 things that were to befall on him during this month, laying in bed with arguably one of the most attractive females of the city probably wouldn't make a spot, even if said female lived under one roof with him.

"Index? I am not sure, but this is your roommate, right?"

"Yeah. She had to be away for a while, but will return rather soon, so you will have the chance to meet her"

"So it's a girl? Hmm... that's rather strange, to have a female roommate. You sly fox..."

"It's not like you think! There were rather special circumstances!"

"All right then, what is she like?"

"A bit hard to say... religious, a little childish, and very, very hungry. But also compassionate and caring when it counts. She can be a pain sometimes, but she is one of the most precious people in the world for me"

"She must be really important for you"

"Yes, she really is"

Rikuri raised an eyebrow, but then shrugged with a small smile.

"Well, since I am going to meet her anyway, I will withhold my judgement until that moment comes. I am sure that if she is that close to you, she is an interesting person in one way or another"

Rain continued as the two of them stared on the ceiling. The sound of water was disturbed only by thunder and sounds of sleeping Amazora.

"Are you ready now? To tell me your story?" Touma asked after a while.

The beautiful girl shifted slightly, looking at him and giving him a little pinch on the arm behind the covers

"Why do I go first?"

"Wasn't there something about ladies first, I don't know..."

A wave of melodious laughter erupted from the girl.

"I adore those moments of yours. In reality, you truly pay no heed to things like that if you can slug me in the face like nothing, Mr. Gender Equality."

After a moment, Rikuri's face became serious as she pulled Touma closer to herself. The boy, although flustered as always, reincorporated the hug because he instinctively sensed that under the guise of flirty contact, Rikuri was needing closeness to tell potentially hard story.

"Well then, where should I begin... I guess that with the raise of our family into prominence. Many years ago, Japan was trying to bring itself back to shape after the war. At the time, there was poverty and distress amongst many people. In a certain village, lived a young teenage girl named Rina. Her family was in majority killed during World War II, and she was left with two younger sisters, as her mother died in the bombings and father soon after the conflict ended. Trying to get by, Rina did everything she could, taking every job she could to get her only living relatives. She had particular affinity for sewing and cloth-making. Even in those times, when it was out of question for women to establish and govern themselves on their own, Rina worked harder than anyone around. She always got out of her way to gather best materials and plants to make clothes from, learned to read to be able to acquire knowledge that would help her perfect her craft. It can seem surprising that a teen our age could do so much. Well, Rina was not a literate or a genius, but she had good interpersonal skills and a very good heart. However, probably the most crucial thing was her beauty. Yes, she was from a small village, but people spoke that some kami took her as its host. She was easily more naturally gifted than other girls in the village, and this caused many people to sway in her favour.

Not all of them of course. In due time, jealousy caused the other women to frame Rina for stealing money of her clients. Even though she tried to defend herself, the relations she had within the village became sour and mistrustful. So, the young woman decided to leave her hometown and travel to big city, with her sisters, Rena and Suwa, in tow. This was one of the hardest, but possibly most fortunate choices she ever made.

Despite Rina's efforts, she didn't manage to earn much during their long travel, and by the time the sisters arrived near Kyoto, they were malnourished and sick. In fact, Rina and Suwa collapsed by the road, leaving the youngest, Rena, to desperately plead for help from the passerby. Although hours passed, and it seemed no one showed compassion, luck didn't leave Rina. Finally, a young man took pity of her and saw that Rina and her sisters went to the hospital. After Rina awake, she spoke with him. When she confessed her wish to find a job and demonstrated the pieces of her work, the young man was awestruck by the exotic and original work he never saw in a city. He introduced himself as Kotaro, assistant of the jeweler. Although he wasn't a weaver nor worked in clothing industry himself, he promised to introduce Rina to a family clothing shop in which she had the chance of working. He also proposed to get her and her younger sisters a place to stay in exchange for paying parts of the rent and allying with him with fulfilling his dream: make such a beautiful, ornamented outfit that it would be suited to be worn by a royal family. Rina, touched and overjoyed by Kotaro's faith in her despite their short time knowing each other, accepted his conditions.

Initially, the owner of the clothing shop, that besides sewing and weaving dealt with pigments and dyeing the clothes, was very hesitant to work with Rina. However, both efforts of the girl (who worked hard at every task she was given), her charm, and the fact that Kotaro was the acquaintance of owner's friend, finally won him over. After he fully accepted Rina as an employee, she changed her surname, out of gratitude for the establishment that allowed her and her siblings to enjoy peace. Since the shop was located near the criminal containment facility, it was called GOKUSAI CLOTHING, as Gokusai meant "Painted Prison" and fitted for clothing store dyeing the materials. And as such, Rina was henceforth known as Gokusai Rina, the surname that will be also used by her sisters and descendants.

Due to right environment, intelligence, beauty, and skill, Rina raised in shop's hierarchy in no time. She supported Kotaro's own projects and with his help, she sent her sisters to school. Once she was acquainted with modern techniques known in the city, she improved all the lines of production. As she grew up in poverty, she also started to help to dress up the poor and homeless of the city. She sew them warm clothes in overtime, and soon enough was known by the common folk as the 'Gokusai the sewing angel.'

The owner of Gokusai Clothing was initially furious at Rina, but it soon turned out that the karma returned to her in the best possible way. Her humanitarian efforts actually managed to make the shop more recognizable and famous, so in the end all was forgiven. In fact, the sales were going so great that after a few years, the original owner retired, leaving the shop in Rina's hands. That was the precedence on the scale of entire city, but many people were grateful and in awe of Gokusai Rina, so although the rumors persisted, no one truly opposed the decision.

As time passed, Kotaro, who already spent a lot of time together with the sisters, proposed to Rina, and the pair joined their interests, producing the jewel ornamented clothing. Respecting her wish, he chose to take her surname instead of other way around, which was later established as the tradition in the family. Rina never forgot her origins, which served her as both inspiration and reminder that you shouldn't take good fortune for granted. After expanding the production, Kotaro and Rina, alongside now teenage Suwa and Rena, moved into a bigger, independent house. Rina's sisters also got married in the future, and established their own lines of the family, but they always remained under the influence of Rina, even if that wasn't her intention.

Rina and Kotaro had one daughter, Gokusai Yukino. In contrast to her mother's poor beginnings, Yukino was born in rising prosperity and beautiful mansion. Because of that, her personality was certainly much more extroverted and lavish. She enjoyed partying, excelled in lots of varied hobbies, and had rather loose morals when it came to etiquette or rules. But even though she was a rather egocentric rebel and party lover who loved to spend money, she was cunning enough to know where to stop. Although Rina was hesitating if she should leave the industry to her daughter, ultimately it was not the worst call. It turned out that Yukino was a merciless businesswoman, which was a strange and rare combination for someone with such outgoing and loud mindset. In interests, she was unyielding, determined, and didn't accept any compromises. Thanks to her hand in the business, Gokusai family name started to be associated with prestige and beauty. She also realized her parents dream as one of the attires was bought by the empress herself. The shop became a line of shops, reaching to the capital itself. But even when Yukino cared for her own image, and usually she didn't, she couldn't be seen as positively as her mother. Most people viewed her as a troublemaker who had too much influence to spare. Yet they didn't dare to go against her, because even if Yukino's own arrogance was hard to swallow, her achievements were something truly amazing.

Yukino made clothing fashionable, implemented various ornaments and accessories, and was open to suggestions when it came to new products. Same couldn't be said about her personal life, where she listened to only one person: herself. Rina and Kotaro often worried about their daughter's antics, but nevertheless supported her turbulent life. One of the aspects that Yukino didn't truly pay attention to was her love life. Because during her time as the owner of Gokusai clothing her family became rich, on top of Yukino herself being attractive, there were many men who wanted to be with her. As she changed partners as quickly as fashion seasons changed, and slept with twice as many, Yukino was pressured by all her friends and family to settle down, because continuation of excessive lifestyle could potentially lead to irreversible damage to the reputation of the business. But Yukino liked sex and lavish life far too much, and if not for a certain overlooking on her part, she probably wouldn't listen. However, one of her partners actually got her pregnant, and this finally made Yukiko reconsidered her actions and tone them down a little bit. After Yukino's first daughter was born, she was once again pressured into marrying the child's father. As one would expect from a couple of acquaintances that shared a bond made solely on desire and lust, they didn't actually want to be in a relationship. They did get married, but it was not a happy union. Although on their defence they did try make it work, it was spiraling downwards. The couple had one more daughter after 2 years of being together, mainly to try to convince others that they were still together, but soon after, the marriage dissolved, both parties going separate ways with no remorse, and with Yukino deciding to take care of her children by herself.

Yukino's daughters were named Gokusai Ayashizu and Yuamiko, but for simplicity's sake everyone, including the family, referred to them as Aya and Yua, respectively. Yukino assumed very controlling approach to parenting, partially because of her personality and also because of her experience with accidental pregnancy. She kept a watchful eye on her daughters and even though she never wasted money on their education or other aspects of life, she wasn't the closest mother of all time. Rina noticed that her granddaughters needed more space and for a moment tried to persuade Yukino to choose another method, but Kotaro's death temporarily distanced her from family, causing the young siblings to grow in a rather isolated environment.

Gokusai Aya was very similar to her mother in terms of outgoing personality, but also inherited her grandpa Kotaro's compassion in human relationships. She was open, friendly, and excelled socially. As she was the future heiress to the company, Yukino put lots of effort into indoctrinating and schooling Aya so she could one day succeed her. Meanwhile, the younger sister, Gokusai Yua, was quiet, stoic, calm, and composed. She was a picture perfect example of an ice queen. Despite that, she was polite and well-mannered. She looked a lot like her grandmother Rina, and her beauty soon became widely known. But even if she wanted to date someone, Yukino, intentionally or not, always managed to scared the potential candidates.

Despite their opposite personalities, Aya and Yua were inseparable. Aya often doted on her little sister and supported her in whatever way she could. Yua, even though she slightly envied the attention Aya received from their mother as the future heiress, was also admiring her sister and held a friendly rivalry with her. Because they grew up without a father and with mother not very keen on showing warm emotions, the two sisters developed strong bonds and promised to always be together. Yet even that was about to be put to the test.

In the eve of her 22nd birthday, Gokusai Aya disappeared. She fled the country alongside the Englishman she met during student exchange. In the note she left her sister, she explained that she couldn't live with their mother's disapproval of her beloved and chose to live a free life with her love rather than loveless with fortune and fame. It turned out that Aya was pregnant, and she pleaded with her sister for forgiveness, in hope that her child could be family with Yua's own children, should they be born. Yukino, upon learning the revelation, viciously disowned Aya. And Yua, suddenly burdened with becoming a heiress and left all alone with overbearing mother, could not easily forgive her sister for abandoning her. Even though she wished her luck and did not want anything bad to happen to her child, the anger at Aya for choosing a man over her own sister was the one to never truly subside. Yua became even more closed and guarded, both metaphorically and literally. Until one faithful day...

There was a young man by the name of Haruto. He worked as a sculptor and was tasked to deliver some statues to the gardens of the mansion Gokusai family lived in. As he was doing his job, he noticed Yua cooling her feet in the small pond located near the house. It was the first time he ever saw her and she left him stunned. He tried to talk to her, but she went back to house before he could approach her. Haruto spend the rest of the day trying to work, but he couldn't focus and the Gokusai heiress kept appearing before his mind's eye. So he thought of a plan. Risking Yukino's wrath, he purposely delayed the delivery, blaming it on flaws in material, and in the meantime, kept trying to talk with Yua. She finally agreed, and even if she was skeptic at first, it turned out that Haruto really wanted to simply talk and get to know her better. As they conversed, hiding from Yukino, Yua decided to meet with Haruto again. But his work in the mansion was almost done, so it seemed he would have to leave. Yet Haruto thought of something beautiful and truly romantic to stay and get to know Yua.

Bowing before Yukino, he offered to make a sculpture of Yua, that would be outshine only by original's beauty. The Gokusai matriarch was suspicious, but had no reason to object, as Yua's looks did serve as the symbol of the company and the statue would look good on the future ceremony of passing the business in new hands. Besides, albeit a commoner, Haruto was very good in his craft and Yukino admired some of his statues that she already ordered for the mansion. And thus, Yua and Haruto were left alone for the posing. Haruto, a very idealistic artist, encouraged Yua to pursue modelling as he was in constant awe how beautiful she was. As he spoke to her about many different topics, Yua felt as if something in her heart was melting away. And even if she tried to fight it, when the statue was complete, it depicted not only the beautiful woman Haruto saw in his imagination, but Gokusai Yua in reality, as she smiled for the first time since her sister's departure. Even though she thought it impossible, her heart felt love for that foolish sculptor that put her on pedestal, but also treated her like a friend, companion of many shared hours... and needless to say, as someone who he too fallen head over heels in love.

Both of them hesitated a lot in confessing their feelings to Yukino, because their relationship was born in secret, and they hailed from vastly different social classes. But finally, when time came to present the statue, Haruto once again bowed in front of Yukino, and confessed his love for the daughter of Gokusai family.

Yukino didn't say anything for a while, before telling Haruto to rise. When he did, she calmly stepped down and slapped him across the face. And when angry Yua tried to intervene, she pushed the beautiful statue, smashing it to pieces. Then she promptly told Haruto to get out of her home.

To Yua's anguish, Haruto did leave, although promising not to be gone forever. And indeed, some time later, the same statue of Yua, accompanied by message from Haruto, was found on the doorstep. This time, it seemed that he created from memory, but Yua's stone body was somehow even more divine-looking. Furious Yukino had it destroyed again, and again, and again when the successive statues appeared. Meanwhile, Yua felt as if her heart was being torn in two. If Haruto's efforts and openness from before opened up her heart and charmed her, now the love was practically overflowing her. Her personality changed by this feeling. So, one night, she managed to snuck out of the house and found Haruto as he was creating yet another statue. He was persistent of creating that symbol of love that joined his path with Yua's as many times as it was needed. Yua, touched and enamoured through his persistence, gave herself to him that night. And this was the time when I came to stage.

Yukino searched for her daughter very long, but Yua supposedly disappeared from the face of the earth. And just when everybody considered her long dead and gone, over 9 months later, she came back: happy, with the secretly married husband alongside her. And not only that, she also carried small infant girl, that Haruto named Rikuri. That, as the name indicates, was me. Yukino was outraged at my parents and wanted to have Haruto arrested and marriage annulled. But elderly Rina blessed the pairing, as well as me, her first great-granddaughter, while condemning Yukino's intolerance. This, combined with Yua's ultimatum that if Haruto won't be able to stay, she will leave the family (which in turn would leave it without a true business successor) made Yukino begrudgingly accept Haruto, and me, by extension, as part of the family. Meanwhile, the statue that my father made was now depicting not only my mother, but him and myself too.

My parents had a very warm and caring bond with each other, despite my mother being the collected realist and my dad being a romantic idealist. She always cared for him when he forgot basic things, and he gave her great amounts of affection that she never ceased to enjoy. And 3 years after my birth, it was time for Yukino to step down and leave the future of the company in the hands of my mom. The first thing that Gokusai Yua did as a head of the family was extending the business to a modelling agency and becoming a main model herself. That was clearly against grandma Yukino's wishes, but there was nothing she could do about it after revoking her leadership. My mom was so overjoyed that her composed facade dropped once again and night of passionate love ensued, which was directly responsible for Kaibi-chan being born some time later. I also believe that birth of Amazora-chan, roughly another 3 years later, was due to some celebration. Or they mother wanted to defy grandma in some way. Probably both.

Those early times were good for us. We were one happy family, a bit nonstandard for sure but still whole and complete. My dad often spoke of how proud he was of us and how much he loved us. He was the one that came up with our nature-themed given names. He made a lot of beautiful souvenirs for each of us, he also made new family statue each time one of his daughters were born. Back then, mom read us stories, spoke to us very warmly, and we did nothing but had fun, all day long. Those days were truly peaceful and beautiful for us. I think the only sad thing that happened back then was the passing of great-grandma Rina. She had a long life and everybody in the all lines of the family came to mourn her. This was the only and last time I ever saw aunt Aya. Kaibi-chan knows of those facts better than me, but I foggily remember seeing her arguing with my mom, accompanied with girl my age, that could be this rip.. I mean, Oriana Thomson, that we talked about. Since Aya left pregnant earlier than my parents even met, Oriana-san is approximately a year and a half older than me. She should be 19 and half by now.

After that, everything was fine. The business was going well, my mom was thriving as one of the top Japanese models, dad had many orders and was positively inspired. Meanwhile I had the best time with Kaibi-chan and Amazora-chan. Even our grandma wasn't as bad as she once was. Life was perfect.

Until, of course, it wasn't anymore. You probably know that better than anyone, Kamijou-san. After light, there comes darkness.

It happened when we were on the trip and stopped for a picnic in the forest. It was such a stupid accident... mom went away to feed Amazora, while Kaibi-chan noticed a fallen tree across the mountain river's waterfall. As many children that age, we had stupid ideas, and Kaibi-chan suggested that we should check out the waterfall from up close. I didn't oppose, and when dad wasn't looking, we climbed on that fallen tree trunk. But when Kaibi-chan moved along, she must've pressured some weakened spot on it because the wet wood caved in and she fell inside, dragging me alongside her. It was dark, cold, with water and mud flowing everywhere. We couldn't see and breath, being only a moment away from being sucked into the river. And just when we thought that we were done for, a hand pulled us up through that hole. Dad came to save us, and tossed us back to the shore. When I got back up, I saw his face. He stood on that tree, and his face... his face had one of those smiles that he made whenever some of us made him a gift, even if it was a silly flower crown, or when we have birthdays or whenever he told us he loved us. It was a smile of relief that we were safe.

And just when we began to smile as well and I opened my lips to thank him, that tree crumbled even more. He lost his footing... slipped and fell down...the waterfall... hit his head on the rocks and disappear under the..."

Rikuri's voice became so chocked up that she had to stop her story.

"Rikuri-san, if you wish to stop-"

But the girl shook her head.

"I-If you don't mind hugging me, that would be delightful right now..."

So Touma did hug Rikuri, trying to put as much warmth and comfort into the girl relieving a traumatic experience. He didn't mind that his head suddenly became wet. All he focused on was Rikuri and Rikuri alone, until the girl stopped trembling.

After a while, Rikuri broke the embrace, took one of the tissues from the pack on the table, and blew her nose, before continuing.

"Normally... Normally that kind of fall would not necessarily kill a person. But he lost consciousness and was dragged underwater by the current. By that point, my mother noticed something was wrong and came running. Me and Kaibi... we were completely paralyzed by fear, and even if we weren't, back then we couldn't swim well enough to hope to reach him. Mom gave me Amazora and jumped into the river. We saw them going downstream and went running after them. And after what seemed like an eternity, we saw mom kneeling over dad and pressuring his chest in CPR procedure, doing all she could to resuscitate him. The sound she was making... it wasn't crying. I never thought human could make such a sound. It was so pained, like a wailing of the most hurt animal you could ever imagine. It was a scream of agony, injustice, rejection. Kaibi-chan was disoriented and came running to mom, but in her frenzy and grief, she was pushed away.

I remember it as some kind of feverish nightmare. I think it didn't fully settled in until we were at the funeral. Amazora, only a small baby at the time, was crying. I was shaking and hugging Kaibi, who just stood there, like a soulless husk, not even making a sound. I didn't see my mother's face, but I didn't know if I wanted to. And as for my dad... even though he was gone, he still had that smile on his face. The smile he gave us when he saved our lives.

After the funeral, our days as family eroded away. I know for a fact that Kaibi blamed herself for our father's death. This was the reason why she couldn't stand those who save others. Over all that manipulation, she is a kind girl and wouldn't like to see any of such people get hurt again. I am certain that she would trade place with father so he wouldn't have to die. I felt guilty as well, for the longest of time. And unfortunately, we couldn't exactly find help in our mother. She... became distant, cold even. I am sure it was unintentional... but she probably associated us with death of her love, the one thing that pulled her out of misery she felt before having a proper family. She desperately needed something tangible to blame, even if it was her own children and even if her actions brought her more anguish. Although we were her children, and even though she still loved us in her mind... she didn't direct any warmth at me or Kaibi-chan anymore. We became mere offsprings, someone related to her, but she never gave us anything more than necessary. She didn't even speak with us more than it was needed. One time, she screamed that she couldn't bear to look into his eyes since he was no more.

She tried to move on, tired to forget. All the statues were smashed, except for the few smaller ones that we hidden. But when I heard her cry at night, I knew that this was actually making things worse. Even grandma became worried over mom's health.

Ever since then, mother began to prepare me for taking over the company. Thanks to this, I stopped seeing my precious sisters. I spent the days on parties, filled with strange people, and was forced to smile on cue. It was truly awful and all I wanted was to be back with my sisters, and for my mother to be back to her old self again. But to be quite honest, Kaibi-chan had it worse. While I was overworked, she was completely ignored, alone for months, only fed and overseen so she would behave. Maybe it was because she was a middle child, or maybe because my mother unintentionally treated her as a cause of dad's death. But Kaibi took it hard. She was so lonely and forgotten that it could be a start of potential that later gave rise to her Measure Heart ability. I guess all she wanted was to fix all those emotions and restore lost connections... but in truth, neither Kaibi nor mom fully healed from that time. Mom... still loves us. She just... got astray thanks to trauma and mourning gone wrong. We all should talk about this. I really don't want to leave her alone for the rest of her life. We are here almost 7 years... I know that she probably realizes we went here by now. I hope that... when we ran away, she realized that we should be together. And as for how we ran away... I believe Kaibi-chan told you that part. One day, we just... couldn't bare it anymore. We came here in hope for a better life. Quite ironic that we found dark side instead... honestly, growing up here was fun. Even though we killed, we were together. Through and through, in sickness and health, we rose side by side... we got to discover our strengths and weaknesses in this city that has no boring days at all. But I believe that our story, this painted prison chronicle, was never complete until we met you. It was a normal day, but when I fought with you in that garage, in the moment when I realized that the thought of discarding Amazora never crossed your mind, I saw a way out of darkness back to those happy days we believed we had to leave behind. I still don't know how... but I believe that our meeting was not for nothing"

Rikuri finished, looking at Touma, who shifted under the blanket with serious face.

"That's a lot to take in..."

"I know. Thank you so much for listening. I actually felt better now, I never talked about family history to anyone before" Rikuri smiled to him, and got up, reaching for something in the table cupboard" To sum it up, I would like to show you something"

She took a small laptop and after hitting the keyboard for a while, she showed him the screen. It was a black and white photo, depicting a young woman in traditional japanese clothing with dark hair standing near what Touma assumed was the vat with pigment for cloth dyeing. Near her, was a thin man with slightly lighter hair, wearing glasses, and sporting a relaxed smile.

"That's Gokusai Rina, my great-grandmother, and Gokusai Kotaro, my great-grandfather"

Next photo showed the woman raising a toast. Although she too was beautiful, her features were slightly sharper. As this photo wasn't black and white, Touma noticed that the woman had dark brown hair and crystal blue eyes, quite a rare combination of a look. The woman seemed to enjoy her time, but also in the mood to challenge anyone she saw to a fight.

"That's Gokusai Yukino, my grandmother. She is quite old now, but should still be alive and kicking. She is too stubborn to die anyway"

The next photo showed to teenage girls, who were obviously sisters. They too had brown hair, the woman on the right lighter than the one of the left, and impressive chests for their age. They both shared the same crystal blue eyes, as if steel was reflected on the bottom of the pond. The left girl, apparently older, was laughing while embracing the younger, who was trying to bend away, with her right arm.

"This is my aunt, Gokusai Aya, and my mother, Gokusai Yua, when they were younger. And finally... this photo was taken only a month before dad's death..."

So this was also the supposed mother of Oriana Thomson. And to Touma's surprise, he realized that the Oriana had the same hue of blue eyes that he saw on the photos.

The last photo showed a family of 5, and Touma knew immediately who they were.

The very beautiful woman on the photo was obviously Gokusai Yua. She sat on the chair with a regal elegance, with her brown hair in sophisticated, twisted locks. Touma could tell the resemblance right away. She saw the look Yua was giving too many times when Kaibi was focused or deep in thought. And even though Yua emanated seriousness, the small smile at the corner of her lips undoubtedly resembled the mischievous smirk of Amazora. Finally, it was painfully obvious from whom Rikuri inherited her sexiness in all of her glory.

Touma's gaze shifted to look at the slim man with a striped shirt and relaxed grin. He was a stark contrast with his elegant wife's demeanor. Haruto had mid-length black hair, but kept it well maintained and cut. On his waist, he had a few tools, possibly for his sculpting work. Touma couldn't help but felt pity that he didn't manage to meet this man. He seemed like a very chill guy and it truly was a tragedy that he died so early in his life.

With the sisters' dad, the similarities were not so obvious as with the case of Yua, but Touma could spot one overwhelmingly clear genetic inheritance: the eyes. Haruto had the same peculiar, pinkish-magenta hue of irises that all three of his daughters possessed.

Finally, there were 3 girls on the photo. The oldest looking, standing by Haruto's side, was clearly Rikuri, with her hair being much shorter but still draping loosely over her neck. The one that looked like present day Amazora had to be Kaibi, and the baby sleeping in Yua's arms was clearly Amazora herself.

"Wow... you looked like a nice family"

"Thank you. We were... until things went awry. I still hope there is a way to fix everything... to restore at least some semblance of what once was. But even though I say this... it might be hard for Kaibi and Amazora. Kaibi was especially hurt by that situation and Amazora was far too young to even notice where she hails from. I was told I am a lot like dad in terms of personality, but Kaibi, as much as she wants to deny it, acts exactly like our mom when she is upset or distressed. We escaped her to not be defined by our past, but years later, facing it might not be such a bad idea."

(10 MINUTES LATER)

The rain didn't seem inclined to stop.

"I wonder how Kaibi-chan is doing right now. I know her search is important, but this weather is truly dreadful, so I hope she returns sooner rather than later."

"Yeah, me too. How is Amazora?"

"All okay, I checked if she is properly covered"

Rikuri sat up and crossed her arms over her chest, which only caused its size to be pronounced.

"Now then, Kamijou, I believe you owe me a story"

"R-Really? I am not really a very interesting guy, you know"

"Boo! Wrong answer! Come on, tell me, story for story. Besides, I think you really underestimate yourself"

And so, after the encouragement from his companion Kamijou Touma began to speak. He put his mind into the highest state of achievable awareness to piece together all he discovered after memory loss to form a timeline and coherent image of his past.

He told Rikuri about his childhood and parents. He described how they acted, their hobbies, and relationship. He proceeded to describe how he dealt with misfortune and hate throughout his childhood days. How he walked home friendless and tormented not only by various accidents, but also by others who blamed him for all the evil.

Touma did not describe it in a way to make himself some tormented hero. But on the other hand, he didn't play it down either, like he usually would. Instead, he spoke honestly about what he thought he felt back then. He felt that this was the best he could do after Rikuri opened her own heart to him.

He told her about all the sorrow and strife of his early years, culminating in the moment when he was stabbed with a knife. He recounted to her how he entered the City and was subjected to the months of pain-filled come without ability to wake up. He described how he imagined his life in Academy City played out. 10 year of troubles, running, fighting, but also cherishing the rare moments of peace he could find.

After some more minutes, he finally caught up to the moment in which he met Kumokawa Seria and Mitsuari Ayu. Rikuri listened to him so intently that it looked as if she forget the need to breath.

"What happened next?" she asked when Touma finished his pre-memory loss adventures.

"I promise I will tell you. It's just... I don't feel good with telling only you. I think Amazora and Kaibi would like to her that too"

"Hmm... fair enough. But... something important happened, right?"

"Yes. A lot of things. My world truly changed. I've been dragged through hell... but since this saved so many people, I don't regret it one bit"

"But this isn't the issue here" Rikuri said slowly, looking Touma in the eyes, with her face being illuminated by a new flash of lightning "Hey... are you happy?"

Touma opened his mouth, but initially no words came out. Only after a moment did he decide to speak.

"Happiness, huh... I honestly don't think about it all that much. But if I had to say... even if I risk my life bracing through all those hopeless misfortunes, I am happy if we all reach the happy endings. I think that being able to enjoy calm and happy life, even for a moment, is all it takes to be satisfied. Although... I am scared. Sometimes, I find it hard to move or think. Sometimes, Ithink that I will be too slow and all will be reduced to nothing."

"Nothing?"

"Some time ago, I had a bad experience, after which I kind of became scared of the pitch black darkness. In this... dream, everything disappears. The world, my friends, everything. And I am left completely alone"

Rikuri's grasp on the blanket tightened.

"You know, I can't even begin to imagine stuff you were through. I truly can't. But I do relate to the fear of losing those that matter to me. When we first came here, we were completely alone and had only each other. I always wanted for my sisters to grow up happily, yet there is always a chance something will happen to them."

"I promise it won't. Not while I am here."

"Don't promise things you can't guarantee in keeping. But thanks for the sentiment. With you by our side, I am sure we can be less scared together. You see, I am but a nice looking girl with chemistry and drones on my side. I can synthesize some hormones to sooth your fears..."

"P-Please don't get any ideas about sticking one of your syringes in me, those things look sharp"

"Don't tempt me~. But I think the better idea is to just spend some time with each other. There is still so little we all know about one another. Isn't it exciting to find out new things like this? Oh, I know just the right thing for the time like this! Wait a second!"

After a moment, Rikuri got back with a small flashcards.

"It's a version of truth or dare that I personally prefer. Would you care for a round?"

"Sure... but are you sure that this is what you want to do? I am sorry that I couldn't go with you somewhere because of that weather..."

"Think nothing of it. Trust me, I have way more fun that I could ever imagine. Home dates are now in fashion as well."

"D-Dates?"

Now, let's see, let's see... since you so honourably discarded your right to go first while we told our stories, you can begin right now."

"Okay then... it says here... truth: what is your favourite colour?"

"Hmm, so I get the easy beginning? It's purple! Now it's my turn. Truth: What is your biggest fear?"

"Such misfortune... of course poor Kamijou-san gets the hardcore ones... well, I would say that not being able to save my friends... or losing everything I want to protect"

Compassionate spark lit up in Rikuri's eyes, as Kamijou drew yet another card.

"Dare: eat a pocky together with your gaming partner"

"O-Oh..."

"You don't have to if you don't want to..."

"Hmph!" Potion Lady marched to the kitchen, grabbed a pocky pack, and took a single stick. She placed one end of it in her mouth and sat down, motioning for Kamijou to take the other side. And so, they slowly began eating. With a storm of anxious worry on Touma's side, and nervous excitement on Rikuri's side, they were both equally red. With both of them practically filling the entire vision of another's eyes, they both closed their eyes. Their lips were mere centimeter from touching and they could almost feel their warmth...

Amazora snorted in her sleep and fell down of the futon, causing for them to jump and snap the remaining pocky.

"Ekhm, w-well..." Rikruri smoothened her hair, trying to get back to her senses. "What an intense dare ineed... W-Well, now it's my turn... dare: let the other party massage you. Lucky me!"

"You didn't rig those cards, did you?"

"O-Of course not!"

And so, Touma went to massage Rikuri, starting with her legs, coming up through calves to thighs, then torso, arms, neck, and roots of hair. Although he tried very hard, he could not empty his mind of certain thoughts because Rikuri did not let him forget, in all of the five sensual modalities. Whenever he opened his eyes, he could see the contrast her smooth, pearly skin made against her bra and nightgown. He heard... sounds, that made him dizzy and weirdly happy. She smelled beautifully, her soft skin gave up just enough under his fingers, and although of course the taste wasn't involved, Kamijou's tormented mind send him weird visions and sensations that could just as much as substitute it.

"Aaah... that was soooo good! Onee-chan is feeling great right now! Oh my, Kamijou-san, are you all right?"

"Yes, just a moment... I need to... take it easy for a while..."

"Do you want a glass of water?"

After said glass of water, it was Touma's turn.

"Truth: What is your most embarrassing story?"

Rikuri squirmed in place for a moment, before coughing into her hand

"Can you keep a secret?"

"Of course"

"Well, before I was dismissed thanks to my rather poor fitness ability and distracting influence on the opposite sex, I was still part of cheerleading squad. And one day when we were practicing my bra burst and slapped my colleague to the face, causing the entire formation to tumble down. And what's worse, when I tried to recover, I slipped on said bra and landed upside down."

"I have... no words for that. That bursting button is like some anime stuff but I witnessed it in your case before"

"I-I know that they are big, and most bras are not elastic enough to really keep them in check. I couldn't look anyone in the eyes for the next week. Well then, now it's my turn. Truth: What is your greatest desire?"

Touma looked away, and muttered

"No, I can't tell you-"

"Come on, I won't laugh. Maybe if you are too shy, I will guess it. It's something involving dorm manager?"

"H-How did you-"

"You might have mentioned it couple times since we know each other. Do you want to have a private lesson?"

"Pass! Pass! I-I will take another question."

"Dare: Drink with your partner"

"I've been meaning to ask, what kind of truth or dare is that?"

"Extended grown up edition"

"It suddenly makes all too much sense"

Rikuri then left. After some time, when Touma was starting to worry, the oldest sister emerged with bottle of orange liquid and...

Wearing a tight and revealing outfit, that looked like a fusion of a secretary with teacher getup.

"Class is now in session. While I would love to teach you something from the textbook, but much more interesting is the chemistry between us"

DRIP!

"Oh... blood again"

THUD!

"And there he goes once more..."

(AFTER TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES...)

"Huh?!" Touma shot up frantically "How long was I out?"

"More or less 5 minutes" answered Rikuri, taking a sip from the wine glass.

"W-What was that costume?"

"I thought you would like it."

"I... I did... but why and how?"

"T-That's irrelevant. I did it because you like it!"

"Rikuri-san, what are you drinking?"

Rikuri looked at orange liquid.

"This.. just something to help me loosen up. I don't want to get nervous."

Touma didn't manage to ask what could get Rikuri so nervous, because in the next moment lights went out.

"Well, either the storm took something down or Biri Biri is throwing a tantrum. In this city, it could be both. Rikuri-san, where are you?"

"Right here..." whispered a voice from the darkness.

"Don't worry, I will try to fix the light in just a second..."

"Oh, that won't be necessary. And I am not worried. Even if it's selfish, I hope you forgive me for pursuing my dream..."

"Your dream? What is your-mhmph?"

The flash of lightning illuminated the room's interior and shadowed the silhouette's of Gokusai Rikuri leaning forward and linking lips with Kamijou Touma, who stared at her wide-eyed in utter shock and surrealistic fascination. But the girl didn't let go. Instead, she pushed further, closing her eyes.

"Riku..." Touma tried to say something, but fell down to the floor, as the girl finally separated from him, and leaned over with smile on her face and flushed cheeks.

'Crap, something is going and it's going on fast. I should not give to my desires like that, I really shouldn't. I need to say something, anything, make her explain, before-'

Gokusai Rikuri kissed him once again. Only this time, she used her tongue.

It was super effective and Kamijou's brain found no further counterarguments.

He was valiantly fighting back, tried to understand, but it was a losing battle. So he gave in, and his hands found themselves around the back of Rikuri's neck, as they fell into a hug.

"Riku...ri..."

"More..."

Another long kiss followed.

"More... this is... more..."

And another. And yet another one.

The softness of Rikuri's skin, warmth of her lips, her whispering voice, smell of her hair, and touch of her hands all became a one sensation when Kamijou Touma's consciousness collapsed into the state between dream and reality, with only shadows of their home as witnesses.

(LATER...)

Touma's eyes suddenly opened.

The first sensation he felt was discomfort. After all, he was previously asleep on the living room's carpet and could feel the floor underneath quite well.

He looked outside. The storm passed, but now, the sun set and it was getting dark.

Why was he on the floor? And why was Rikuri napping close to him?

Rikuri...

Suddenly, his face exploded in red.

There was no way things he experienced, the memories he had before drifting away, were real.

He looked down, and to his relief, noticed that his pants were still on. The same of Rikuri's outfit.

But still...

"Rikuri-san?! Rikuri-san!"

The girl slowly opened her eyes and cringed slightly

"Ow! Not so loud... hey, Touma..." she said, addressing him in the casual manner.

"Rikuri-san... did you... did we really..." and then Touma told her everything he remembered from before the sleep.

However, the girl only tilted her head.

"Sorry, but my memory is kind of fuzzy. I remember dressing up for you and then... poof!"

"So then... was this all a dream? It felt so real! But that's... of course that was a dream! I passed out during that moment with teacher suit and everything since then was just in my head. Of course, of course, as if this Kamijou-san could be that lucky..."

"My head..." Rikuri groaned, before rising up and pressing her back against Kamijou's "I think I forgot about something important... it still bugs me a lot... I feel different than usual too..."

"Still, something about this seems very fishy to me. I think something is amiss... it was so real damn it!"

Hidden behind the door, Kaibi faceplamed very hard against her brow.

"Those two idiots... this moron's luck in love is as convenient in one moment as misfortune is inconvenient in the next"

(HALF AN HOUR EARLIER)

Kaibi finally returned home. She took off the raincoat, sighing in frustration.

"One more dead end. But I know I am making progress. Kakine, sooner or later, we will have that talk, even if it's the last thing I will do..."

"Hiya onee-chan" Amazora, with noticeable bedhead hair, came into the view.

"Hello, Amazora. Sorry, but I am rather tired and would like to-"

"Aw, but onee-chan, you missed all the fun"

"Amazora, I was having an important task outside, so whatever amazing activity was going on here, I am more than justified to proceed in my own plans. Now, if you excuse me and give some space-"

"Onee-chan was loving onii-chan!"

Kaibi tripped and it took all of her effort to regain balance, as she quickly spun around and lifted Amazora to her eye level, with her own irises glowing pink.

"Who did what with whom?!"

"Ssssh!" Amazora pointed to the living room" Well, I was with onii-chan and onee-chan, but then I got really sleepy. But when I woke up, onee-chan was all kissy with onii-chan and-"

"Okay, I kind of get the picture. The real question is did they... well, how do I say this to you..."

"You are curious if onii-chan gave onee-chan babies?! He didn't, I checked!"

"What the... what do you mean you checked?!"

"Tsk, tsk, tsk! You are older and you don't know that, Kai onee-chan? To see if someone made babies to a girl, you need to take down the panties and-"

"Okay, okay, you can stop now. Where did you learn all this stuff... at least pretend you are the innocent 11 year old you are supposed to be."

Then they both walked to the living room.

"They are both clothed. So I guess it was a petting make out... and what is this?"

Kaibi took up the bottle and sniffed it.

"Aphrodisiac? Seriously, nee-san? What a stupid move... you always have holes in the memory when you get drunk. And with this fool's tendency to deny all possible fortune... this time, Kamijou remembers, but the other party forgets... this would be hilarious, but... heh, I guess me and Rikuri are on the same boat now..."

"Are you going to tell them, onee-chan?!"

"No... no, I will not. Rikuri's memory will return after some time, and they surely did leave some traces of what happened here, we just don't see them yet. I am sure their faces when they realize the truth will be priceless, heh heh heh heh..."

"You have quite scary face, Kai onee-chan... are you jealous that Riku nee-chan was faster?!"

"I-I certainly am not jealous of my sister making out with Kamijou! I... I am mad! That's right, and t-there is nothing else to it. Why are you shaking your head, Amazora?!"

(BACK TO THE PRESENT)

"Welcome to the world of the living" Kaibi said, coming into the living room.

Rikuri and Touma got up.

'Well, even if that was a dream, there is no point in acting all weird. I will sort this out later on' Touma thought, going into the kitchen.

"Wow, that was certainly a unique day, in many ways. So, the best thing that we can do now is eat some delicious dinner!"

Just when Amazora, always eager to eat the cuisine a la Kamijou, cheered for the incoming meal, there was a doorbell sound.

"Who can that be, on such evening?!" Touma wondered, coming to the door. Upon opening them...

"Hasako? And Youen, too?"

"Hi"

"Hello, Kamijou-san"

"Hi, you two. What brings you here?"

"Don't you remember? It was my sleepover night. Kumokawa-san must have told you that"

"Hmm, she probably did. In any case, come in. What about you, Youen?"

"Well, Kaai left to have some alone time, and as I always feel strange without her around, I thought, why not come to you and eat that delicious food of yours?"

"Hah, you are at least painfully clear on your inentions..."

"Kun kun, kun kun..."

"Ha... Hasako-san, is there any reason why are you sniffing me?"

"You smell... of girl perfume. Its smell is all over you."

"Let me have a whiff too... wow, it's actually true."

"Kamijou-san, if you were lonely, you should just say so!"

"H-Hasako-san, are you angry by any chance?!"

"W-Why I would be angry?!"

"Because the entire hall is sprouting grass and vines. There are also daisies growing from our shoes."

"Honestly, Kamijou, you talk all big about meeting this new me, and even saw me naked since then, but then you pull out something like this. I thought we shared something unique"

"Youen, don't turn is into some sort of telenovela! Senpai is looking more and more lifeless by the moment!"

"You did something I was not aware of with Youen-san too?!"

"Isn't it getting hot in he... wow, the floor is starting to melt! I didn't do anything to them, and they didn't to me, so can we please don't make the expression 'the floor is lava' an actual thiiiiiing!"

After Hasako calmed down a little bit and the group moved to the living room. And then, for the first time looking at the guests in a calm state of mind, Touma actually noticed something unseen before.

"What are those clothes?!"

Hasako blinked and looked at the colourful hoodie, baggy jeans, glowing wristband, and painfully contrasting T-shirt with some kind of graffiti tag on it. Come to think of it, her hair was also gathered in two tails, which to be honest, didn't do her beauty justice.

"Maidono-san went shopping with me. She said that's what friends do for fun in those times"

"While I understand the sentiment and I am very happy that you two are having a good time, there is something I got to question when it comes to this clothing"

"Do I look bad?"

"I am not the most diplomatic person, but I say that you look so good anyway that this may actually beautify the clothes a little" Touma muttered, causing Hasako to blush in modesty "But still, you look like you ran away from a hip-hop teledisc. What was that chopstick maniac thinking?!"

(ELSEWHERE)

"Hapshoo!"

"Need a tissue, Maidono-san?"

"Thanks..."

Maidono was currently sitting in a cafe with 3 of her female classmates. After being released from jail, she also started to attend classes, as a part of her reintegration after work for the dark side of the city. Although she would rather be with Kamijou, or even his friends, over time it turned out that classmates were not so bad. Most of the time, that is.

"Oh? What are you writing, Maidono-san?! Is it... a love letter? Was this the reason why you were away from school for so long?! Don't tell me you had an affair or something?!"

"You really like to gossip, don't you? Well, for your information, it was much more complicated than that."

"But it did involve a boy, didn't it~?"

"So stubborn! Fine, I did meet someone. Someone very special, brave, kind of crazy, and ridiculously good in staying alive despite a lot of serious stuff he was through. When I was at my low point and my insecurity was holding me back, he dragged me back to my senses, and shared that he too was lacking something crucial for him. He never minded my chopstick problem. Never in my life have I felt so touched and changed by any gesture. I like him... a lot"

The other girls cooed at that.

"Sounds so romantic! Like a dramatic novel of love through adversity"

'Well, throwing skyscrapers and getting punched in the face IS pretty dramatic for sure'

"Does he know?"

"No, which is why I am working on refining a gift idea for him. This requires focus."

Few moments of silence, before...

"Dear Kamijou... oh, so his name is Kamijou? Interesting..."

"What the... when did you grab that..."

"Even though I can lift almost anything, you are the only one who can lift my heart and cause it to soar..."

"S-STOP! DON'T READ THAT OUT LOUD!"

"My hands are to serve you, and my lips are yours to take, whether you desire to feed me to our hearts content or ki-"

"GIVE THAT BACK!"

"Maidono-san, that is so cheesy and cute! I didn't think you had something like this in you"

"I AM COUNTING TO 3 AND THEN I WILL USE MY POWER, SO GIVE THE DAMN PAPER BACK!"

(BACK AT KAMIJOU + GOKUSAI RESIDENCE)

After the dinner, Rikuri stood up and clapped her hands.

"Everyone, I would like for you to test my new dessert. I want to improve my repertoire to sweets as well"

"Well, sounds promising at the very least" Kaibi, a fancier of sweets, tried to voice her opinion.

"Another way onee-chan can poison us. Yay..." Amazora was never late to put some salt on the wounds.

"Okay, calm down. I oversaw Rikuri's progress and I assure you she got better." Touma said, trying to sound as confident as he could.

"Then why are you sweating, Kamijou?" Youen smirked at him" You fear the unexplored territory of a dessert?"

Rikuri got her apron on and Touma instantaneously relaxed.

"No matter the actual result, nothing beats the attractive girl with motherly aura wearing an apron in the kitchen. There is just something enchanting about it."

Rikuri put a high-tech MP3 player on the kitchen table, which started to play some piano instrumental, and began to sing.

For all the songs Touma could expect, he would not guessed the one Rikuri picked. He was once again reminded how unorthodox the sisters were at time

Yes, Rikuri singing the drug encyclopedia from her genius chemist brain was not something Touma thought would go well with kitchen work. But it somehow did.

Finally, the dessert arrived. It was whipped cream with ice cream and some dark sauce

"It looks... good" Kaibi said, taking a few bites" And it tastes..."

Her face suddenly became blank.

"Rikuri-san... what did you add to this thing?!" Touma asked hesitantly.

"Liquorice and molasses with spices."

"WHAT?!"

"Hasako-san looks as if she could achieve nirvana any moment now." Youen commented, putting her cup away" Might as well feed this stuff to my cute buggies"

"Huh?! What I did wrong?!" asked the flabbergasted Rikuri

"You don't mix sweet and sour like that!"

"But you said that one has to mix contrasting flavours to bring up the best of the dish"

"I can assure you, it's completely different! This sauce is like a biological bomb!"

(LATER ON...)

"Did everyone recover?" Kaibi asked, trying to stand up, pushing herself on her arms, which actually shivered slightly as she did so "My tongue is about to fall off..."

"Little squirt's soul is about to leave her body" commented Youen, laying on her back on the floor, and looking sideways at Amazora. "Well, that sucked..."

"Don't say that. I believe Kamijou-san when he said Rikuri-san's general cooking had improved..."

"Yeah, but she never did desserts before, so that's that. Also, you would sound a lot more convincing if you weren't covering your mouth while turning green"

"I am not- hurgh?!"

"N-Not on the carpet! I ordered floor décor similar to what we had while working for SCHOOL. It was expensive as hell, so I will kill you if you puke on it, first esper or not" Kaibi pointed finger at Hasako, who took off to the toilet.

"Hmm, I am wondering... did anyone see Rikuri-chan and Kamijou?" Youen's question was a valid one, because both the boy and the eldest girl disappeared.

(ON THE OUTSIDE)

"Rikuri-san? Wait!"

Kamijou caught up with the poison assassin... well, catching up could be a strong word because she was resting after 100 meter sprint outside of their apartment building, but he nevertheless joined her and made her sit on the bench.

"Rikuri-san, that was my fault! I should have supervised you and support you back there, and instead..."

"So you admit it was that bad?"

"Well... it wasn't...traditional, for sure..."

"You don't have to soften the blow here. I screwed up. You know, I am a poison expert, but aside from drugging enemies, I also experimented on myself"

"What?! You've been drugging yourself on purpose?!"

"Your worry is very cute, but let me finish. You know how some people working with snakes can gain resistance to the venom via consumption of small amounts of the secreted liquid? Well, I did the same, only in more versatile scale. With a careful measurements, I subjected myself to various poisons and slowly built resistance to them. Right now, there are not many substances that can actually bring me down"

"That's certainly amazing, but how does this relate to your cooking?"

"It does, in many ways. You see, what others will feel as poisonous or even lethal, for me is only slightly queasy or simply bland. I don't suffer the effects of food poisoning, so when I make the mistake in cooking, it is hard for me to actually detect it. I can still experience when something tastes good, it just... reduces my experience of something tasting bad. And that makes me terrible cook for someone else. I am not all that fit, I tend to be clumsy, and I am a terrible cook. Maybe I am not suited to be a housewife after all"

Touma looked at Rikuri in contemplation, before exclaiming

"Then don't be"

"Huh?"

"You don't have to follow the traditional paths if it makes you worried. Times became really diverse, you know. Maybe you will not be a traditional housewife, but I wouldn't cross you out just yet. If this is something you want, then I can see how much you improved in those qualities ever since I met you. But if you want to know my opinion, don't limit yourself to some role. If someone will truly like you, they will do so for you, not for some role you are trying to fullfill. Gokusai Rikuri all on her own is so interesting, even without any roles or etiquettes attached. So what I am saying is, if you ever find that special someone, I don't have a shred of doubt that you will make him the luckiest man in the world"

Rikuri stared at him with lips slightly parted, and magnetic way in which her eyes seemed to penetrate his soul caused Touma to look away, blushing a little bit.

"My, my... thank you for such kind words"

"No problem. I actually still feel bad that I didn't help you if that was your first dessert"

Rikuri's lips stretched into a very devious smile

"Hmm? If you feel bad about, and I could issue a request for you, there was something I wanted to do... basically even since we reunited again"

"Really? Why didn't you say it before?"

"There was never a good occasion. So, if you want to do something to not feel bad for the dessert fiasco, please follow me..."

"Okay..."

"And do grab my hand"

"Huh? But..."

"Just do it"

And so, Rikuri led Touma by the hand. They walked for a long while, before finally arriving at...

"Brings back memories, huh?" Rikuri smiled, when they arrived at the bottom of multilayered construction.

Initially, Touma didn't understand, but even though construction seemed renovated, some of the walls remained charred.

Charred walls... parking garage...

"It really is" he replied, catching up.

So this was the place. It was here where he and Kumokawa Seria came to Mitsuari Ayu's rescue and where he met Gokusai sisters through the first time.

"Let's go up. I want to- waaah?!"

Seeing her pant from the long distance they covered, Touma got the idea and promptly swept Rikuri off her feet, into a princess carry.

"It's not like this isn't a welcomed development, but what are you doing?"

"There is no point in going there if you will be so tired. I will carry you so you can rest a little. My only question is... this parking won't fall with us, right?!"

"No, it was reinforced just enough to keep it from collapsing and right now, the city is debating its further fate. Thank you for carrying me. I am not too heavy, aren't I?"

"I will dodge this bullet of a question. I know now that asking about weight is basically suicide"

(SOME ASCENDING LATER)

"That's it... it's here I wanted to come"

Rikuri came down to the ground and took a few steps, contemplating the scenery of abandoned place.

"Why here, specifically?" said Touma, stretching his arms and also taking a look around.

The blond haired chemist looked around and smiled.

"I doubt that you would remember, being able to barely breathe, but this was the place in which we fought."

"Oh... right."

'I feel kind of awkward for not actually remembering, but well, it's the memories of the heart that truly count'

"It's rather special, right? Who would have thought that such an everyday mission will change so many things for us... Kamijou-san? Touma? Is everything fine" Rikuri stopped, when he noticed Touma staring distantly into space. Realizing that he was called, the boy came back to reality.

"Oh, it's just... being here reminded me of... Ayu. That's all."

Rikuri frowned and put a hand on his shoulder.

"We will find her and you will do what you do best: help her, for whatever reason she suffers now"

"I know, I truly believe that. It's just that... I really miss her. That's all."

Touma did not truly know if he understood his feelings correctly. After all, could one truly miss someone he did not actually remember? Can one long for the place his heart never known? He had no way of knowing. But what he did know was that he wanted Mitsuari Ayu to reclaim her peaceful days. He also felt guilty of their encounter on Ground Geo, even though he was certain he had good reason for attacking her. Yes, he was clearly protecting... someone.

"Well, let us not dwell on that any longer. Look, the holes Amazora-chan made with her gattling gun are still there. You can already see the stars through them. How magical! But I believe you would like to know what are we doing here... so, I believe that I forgot something important when I became drunk aphrodisiac earlier... it happens from time to time and I always remember after some period. But I felt that to jog my memory and to make the fullest of my time with you... I will allow myself to be a little selfish"

"What do you mean?"

Rikuri took out a small control panel and pressed few buttons.

"All settings put... autopilot set... and... let's go!"

After a moment, Touma had a distant buzzing. It was coming from the distance, yet grew closer by the seconds. And finally, few drones appeared, hovering in the parking space.

The buzzing died down, as one of the drones shot out the spotlight, while the other displayed very realistic looking image of the flames on what remained on the outer wall.

"What's going on?"

"Well, I just had a thought, ever since we started to spend time with each other... that I would like to see how it is to come back here and have a dance"

"A dance?!"

"Call it silly, but I want to have some important moment here after our reunion right here, in the place when I first met you. And what can be more sentimental and romantic than dance under the moonlight and starlit sky? I know that this place is not exactly the first that would come to most minds, but take it as my selfish whim. Kamijou Touma, will you indulge lady's fancy and have a dance with me?"

Touma stood there, in shock from what he just heard. After all, something like wasn't exactly your everyday request. But finally he smiled and nodded.

"Although I don't fully understand, if it's important for you, then of course I will dance with you. Besides, only a total idiot would dismiss a dance proposal from a beautiful girl. The only thing is... I am not really good in those sophisticated dances"

"Oh, that's alright. I will teach and lead you. Oh, and the flames are a bit for old time sake."

Rikuri came to Touma's side, spotlight following her, and clapped twice. The slow, monumental music started playing as she took Touma's hand.

"Grab me like this and just follow through with it."

They stayed close to each other and began to slowly glide across the charred floor, occasionally revolving around each other, as Touma moved back and forth, with arm over Rikuri's slender waist.

"Rikuri-san... what is this music?"

"A waltz. Juvenito Rosas, Waltz Sobre Las Olas. A bit more modern than the classics, but it's one of my favourites. Now, just focus on me and our movements. Relax and let me guide you. One, two, three, one, two, three. Forward, backward, step to the side, close the feet. A twirl, and once again..."

And although both of them were blushing, for a moment, they found each other simply relaxed. Even if it was only for a moment and they were to return after this dance, they were simply there for each other, enjoying the music underneath the starlit sky bathed in moonlight.

(MEANWHILE)

Kankyougami Hasako fell into sleep some time earlier. However, she was soon overcame by a nightmare that plagued her, until she finally woke up, drenched in sweat.

"No! Hah... hah..."

Kaibi, who was also napping on her chair, raised her head.

"Hmm? Something happened? Are you alright?"

Trembling, Hasako dried her wet forehead and slowly nodded. She got up, wobbling, and walked a few steps, trying to calm down.

Youen got to the neighbouring apartment, while Hasako, Kaibi, and Amazora waited for Touma and Rikuri to return. While doing nothing at all, they didn't even realize when they dozed off.

And then Hasako was attacked by a very familiar nightmare. She certainly did not expect it to occur now.

Then again, it always came when she was unprepared.

"I have to... clear my head. I will return shortly"

And with that, the Beginning Child left.

Kaibi wondered if she should follow, but finally decided against it. She didn't wish to be intrusive and also didn't need to worry about girl's safety either, with her kind of power. Although there was some curiosity about what could give Hasako such a fright, Kaibi decided to ask those questions on a later occasion.

Meanwhile, Hasako was already outside, trying to banish the scenes in front of her eyes.

'Mountain of flames... silver hair... despaired eyes... and coldness...coldness colder than depths of icy ocean...'

She was so absorbed in her thoughts that she didn't notice another woman on the sidewalk, bumping into her.

"Oh, excuse me" Hasako apologised, when the woman turned around.

For a moment, one strange second, Hasako thought that the woman recognized her somehow, and that her eyes scanned her like X-rays.

But that was surely a mistake. After all, Hasako never saw this blue-eyed woman, who had short blond hair and wore beige robe, ever before.

"That's alright. But is everything alright? You seem troubled."

"Really, it's nothing"

"Oh, don't be shy. Just us... well, girls. Have a sit"

Hasako could swear that they weren't near any bench, but in the next moment, the mysterious woman was somehow sitting on one.

Something about that woman baffled Hasako, but she couldn't quite say what.

"Your attire... are you a sister?"

That seemed to amuse the blond woman.

"Pfft! Sister! This body is more demonic than anything else... ekhm, but I guess I am a bit connected to religion, although it is truly a love-hate relationship. But enough about that. The more important question is what is troubling you."

The eyes of the woman had charismatic, magnetic energy. Hasako shivered, as she tried to think where she saw gaze like this before, but found nothing.

She knew it was strange, to talk with a stranger, but something in that woman urged her to speak. She felt as if she could tell her things normally hidden.

"I had... a nightmare. A nightmare of times long past. In it, I go through some of the worst parts of my life"

The woman in beige habit narrowed her eyes.

"Oh?"

"Long ago, I was chosen because of my talents and prominence for a certain... project. I knew a certain man back then. He took care of me and awakened my abilities. No one ever had abilities like that before, so I was ostracized and made a freak in all of the media. No one wanted to be friends with me. That man was creating a new place for people like me. Yet someone needed to be first. Because I thought he believed in me... that he cared... I tried my best even though it was draining me away"

If the woman was confused or surprised, there was no sign of that on her face.

"Go on"

"The efforts started to pay off. More and more people started to come into the city I was now living in. I was happy because I thought that finally, I will not be alone. But my power was far too mighty and vast. I guess that even that human feared me. One day, I was tasked to stop the sudden eruption of Mt. Fuji. When I think about it now, I know that this supposed 'eruption' was not a coincidence. But back then, I hurried to the scene and indeed, the volcano was on the brink of eruption of enormous magnitude. Using my power, I stood alone against it and tried to change the environment to soothe the volcano.

The lonely girl in the miko clothes stood on the cliffs of the mountain, raising her hands up as the sky began to cloud with dark ash. In the spirit of her faith, her calculations became a prayer.

'Hear my voice, mountain of fire,

I beg for you to withhold your wrath

So cover yourself in robe of life

Let your flames lie in rest

That's what my wish conveys

Listen to my plea and obey my call'

The trembling intensified as two wills of nature clashed for control. The wave of lave erupted from beneath the surface but the girl roared and the mountainside became a carpet of flowers. However, soon enough they burst in flames, and the panting girl unleashed yet another roar.

"Battling that volcano was extremely hard. My power can't cancel out something so mighty as the eruption, it can merely divert it or delay it. But because I was told that this explosion was unprecedented and that evacuation was incomplete, I fought and fought and fought, for 2 days straight. And finally, after persistent changes to the environment, I turned volcano dormant for some time. But when I came back to the city, exhausted and weakened... people started to scream at me. Throw rocks at me. And worse...

I didn't understand. For some reason, they didn't believe I was protecting them from the eruption, they thought I was causing it. I tried to reason with them, but they were too angry and furious at me. At this point, almost all 'regular' people of Japan resented me. It was as if I was hated by life itself. So, in desperation, after all defence failed, I fled. I ran to the man who gave me everything that made me one of the most powerful in the world, but also one of the most lonely. Yet I believed in his dream, so I thought that he will support me too

He invited me to drink with him, and I told him everything. He seemed to understand and he even comforted me. But when I, renewed with hope, asked him to help me to improve my relationships with other people, as his words carried certain weight, he smiled thinly and said

That won't be necessary. Without the uncertain factor, there won't be a risk. So I will ask you to leave the stage now

I understood then. That man, of power beyond imagination, set this up from the beginning. He never cared about me. He orchestrated this entire thing just get rid of me. Because I was too powerful for everyone's good.

He also managed to poison my food, causing a paralysis. And I was too tired from 2 restless days to truly retaliate. He could never really confront me for a long time. But then, he truly overcame me. The last thing I remember was his face, looking at me as if I was yet another thing on the checklist. Face of saint and sinner, of good and evil, of something beyond that... of a human. Simply human. Then, everything was cold. I was colder than anything, and this chill never truly left me. When I awoke 7 decades later, I was shattered, lost, betrayed, and alone. But then another man took my hand and gave me something I never had. I found someone that gave me the feelings of happiness, safety, compassion, and love. He and his friends taught me how to smile again. I got someone I can trust. I found a lover, a friend, and a wondrous new world. I thought everything ended back then and there was no hope for me. But thanks to so many people in this era, I can finally live again"

Hasako was almost out of breath, when she finished, before realizing what she just said.

"I-I am sorry, you must think that's nonsense, I will be going-"

"I think he wasn't ready"

Hasako turned to the woman in a beige habit.

"Excuse me?"

"I said, that man that took care of you, wasn't ready for you. He sounds as if he overestimated his capacity"

"That doesn't explain why he did all those things to me"

"Maybe he was scared. Scared of failing one more time. He sounds like a man that made a lot of mistakes. He didn't kill you, did he?"

"That doesn't make anything even remotely better"

The woman sighed and scratched her head.

"There could be many factors that led to those events. But I think... that he could hope for something more for you"

Hasako let out a rather haughty, out-of-character laugh

"What are you saying?! You think he actually cared about me?!"

"Cared may be a strong word... but maybe, just maybe... he saw potential in you. Even if he couldn't control you back then, he could have hope that in the other times, you could find higher purpose. I am not talking about simple happiness, it's something much grander."

"Why do you sound like you are justifying him?"

"I do not wish to sound like that. If anything, he needs to be condemned for his mistakes and miscalculations. What was the name of that man?"

Hasako slowly straightened up, while looking at the streets, lit by street lamps. They were completely alone.

"Aleister. Aleister Crowley"

The woman in beige habit shifted slightly on the bench, before looking at the stars and speaking once more.

"Like I said, this... Aleister, could have, in his own way, push things in motion and changed your life for better too"

"What... how can you say that?"

"Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law"

"I don't understand what are you-"

"I am simply quoting a book. You see, I strongly believe that humans should act upon their own will and shape themselves into their highest possible self. Did you consider, in all of that pain, that it was not you who was a freak? Maybe the people of your time weren't ready for the star you carried in your soul? The star that could shine brightly when touched by the right hand, the seed that could bloom only when time was ready. If he left you in that era, you would be an old woman now. Living your life depressed, friendless, and feared. That wasn't your true desire."

"So you are saying his actions were good? My happiness now is not on him, it's thanks to the boy who saved me. And even if he was indirectly the cause of my happiness now, what about pain he put me through before? There is no way I can forgive..."

Hasako trembled as her emotions were on the verge of bursting out.

"It wasn't good. He probably didn't think about emotions, he simply followed the course of action that predicted the highest chance of success... or least possibility of failure. I don't have any claims of goodness, I am just saying that sometimes things can appear differently from different angles. And more often than not, good intentions are twisted by mistakes and bad means. I think that if he could do it in another way, he would"

"Tch, that man never felt a shred of such emotions! Well, if he was sorry, WHY WON'T HE TELL ME THAT FACE TO FACE?! OH RIGHT, HE IS PROBABLY LONG GONE!" Hasako screamed in anger.

She and the blond woman faced each other, the older female closing her mouth and simply observing as Hasako's irises shimmered like multicoloured prisms, before she closed them, lowering her head and tightening her fists.

She could have expected many things. But what happened next exceeded those expectations.

She felt a hand on her head as the woman spoke

"You sure grew and changed a lot. You are right, it wasn't driven by goodness or compassion... yet I think the fact that he found you was not bad at all. I am not asking for forgiveness, and I am ready for all the hate... but I hope for you to know that even if things turned out the ways they did, you were always important. You are the original one, the closest to pure thelema that esper powers are based on. Your role was always crucial, it just took me time to realize this"

Hasako's eyes shot wide open when she fell back

"Wait a moment... are you-"

But the woman disappeared and Hasako found herself once again standing before the apartment complex.

'What in... that was so... that was so strange. That woman, how I suddenly started talking... and how in the end she sounded as if she was... no, but this impossible... but she clearly knew too much... this is so complicated... should I ask Kamijou?...'

Hasako thought those things while circling around, before finally coming to a halt. Her eyes became determined as she came back inside, ascended the stairs, before she was high enough to cast a glance in the direction where the most guarded Academy City containment facility was located.

'Maybe I should... but I have a certain idea about who might have some answers. It's high time for me to meet him face to face.'

(THE NEXT DAY...)

Touma stretched lazily on the couch, while listening to Rikuri humming yet another tune from her 'chemist repertoire', while preparing something in the kitchen

"You can't use your ability to make me more daring and test her new culinary invention, right?" Touma asked Kaibi, who was preparing herself for the day right next to him.

"Don't ask for the impossible. Measure Heart can only do so much" Kaibi looked at him with expression of amusement" Besides, when I use it on you, it usually gives the opposite effect. You run to the assumed danger, instead running away from it. I guess this is a hero complex for you"

"Such misfortune..."

Kaibi fidgeted a little bit before taking a deep breath.

"Kami... no, Touma... when I was on a search yesterday, I couldn't help but notice that there is a discount in a restaurant I like..."

"Hmm? Oh, yeah, there was something going on in that place of yours, but I don't quite remember what... I never paid much attention since I can't really afford it..."

It is... akhm..." Kaibi kept her attitude as prim and serious as usual, but her cheeks noticeably reddened " it's a couple discount. They also holding a contest for the best looking couple in a few days. The winner gets the monthly discount and a ticket to a Romantic Ride in District 6. So I was wondering... could we enter it... together?!"

When Touma looked at her, she quickly waved her hands.

"I-I mean, it's because it's a good way to save money for all of us and still go to that restaurant. Yes, it's not like I think of anything else, so don't get stupid ideas. Also, wait here for a moment"

She got up, gracefully went to the sister's room, closed the door, took the pillow and screamed into it for 15 seconds.

'What was that? Oh, why can't I regulate my own emotions properly and just get this one right? I actually love this guy and in a way, I feel those metaphorical butterflies, so why trying to do this is so hard?! I want to just drop into some hole, it's not like me at all. Being in love is amazing but it sucks so much at the same time, how the hell is that even possible?!'

After Kaibi returned to the living room, Touma gave back his answer

"Sure. I will gladly be a pretending boyfriend again."

"Great! Don't hold yourself back!" Kaibi felt dissatisfaction that he used word pretending. But at the same time, it was a step in the right direction and heart pulsed with warmth in triumph.

Although...

"What do you mean 'again'?"

"Oh, that? Well, there was this guy called Unabara and Biri Biri asked me to-"

But before Touma could (unintentionally) shoot himself in the leg, Amazora came running and jump onto his lap.

"Amazora-san... why do you look so grumpy?"

"Onii-chan is an idiot!"

"Okay, that doesn't really narrow down the possibilities!"

"Kai nee-san and Riku nee-san both got their moments of fun and kissy faces! I want to make kissy faces with onii-chan too!" the last part was said quietly so Touma didn't catch it.

The boy smiled, before pulling Amazora's T-shirt just above her belly button, inhaling deeply and then linking lips with girl's belly, blowing the air directly on the skin.

Amazora exploded into such a fit of giggling that she almost fell down the sofa.

"Oniiiiiiiiiiii-chahahahahahahaahahaha! Iaaaaaaaaaaah... you know I have tickles... hehehehehehehehehe... please, no more, Amazora will be a good girl, so staahahahahahahap..."

When Touma pulled back and straightened Amazora's clothing, the girl had a huge grin on her face.

"Kissies that make you laugh are the best..."

"You like that?" Kaibi asked in surprise.

"When we fought with auntie Hasako and we ate at the restaurant, onii-chan wiped my hands to clean them and I got the tickles. Ever since then, I think of onii-chan every time I laugh like that. So I want to laugh more to think about him!"

Kaibi couldn't help but smile at Amazora's surprisingly (for gattling gun maniac) pure logic behind the statement.

Touma ruffled Amazora's hair and spoke to her

"If you want to spend time with me, the next time I will find some space, we will go out for the entire evening and do something you want."

"Anything?!"

"Assuming I can do it or afford it, yes"

"I love my onii-chan!"

Touma stumbled backwards when the girl threw herself on his neck. He then turned to Kaibi

"Want to grab something to eat? I mean, something that is not half-toxic"

The girl grinned back at him.

"I thought you never ask"

When Rikuri finished, she found empty apartment and a note.

'We left to eat. Come join us in the usual place.'

"Oh mou~, when will my efforts be truly... oh, there is something else..."

'When it comes to testing your effort, I have a great solution. My old roommate is arriving in just 3 days. She has the stomach that can tank everything, she could probably ate a radioactive plasma and just burp. So just wait for her and she will appreciate you feeding her regardless of your level of cooking'

Rikuri's eyes lit up, as she went to prepare for going out

"Ho? That girl Kamijou talks about sounds interesting"

Then, Rikuri's phone rang. She looked at it and frowned. She did not know this number.

Even so, she decided to pick up.

"Hello?"

As she listened, her face slowly changed, with eyes widening and lips twisting in disbelief. She knew that voice.

Although she never thought she will hear it while in this city.

(LATER, IN THE EVENING)

Kankyougami Hasako went to the prison alone. That was the deal.

She was scanned, searched and probed many times. Although technology made her nervous, she endured it because of her determination to see one person alone.

Although she didn't know what she will say yet, she knew that this conversation will be important for her.

And finally, she stood before the visitation center. Completely empty, except for one person.

"Hello, Accelerator-san. It's nice to finally meet you, the current strongest and leader of this city" Hasako stood in front of the #1 esper, separated by glass.

"It's an damn interesting from my side as well, senpai. Do you enjoy how the city changed?" Accelerator answered, not breaking the eye contact but also allowing himself to relax in the chair.

"I certainly don't mind the change in people"

"There are few cases of mild usefulness. Unfortunately, majority of them is still comprised of idiots"

"Truly? Well, I guess I am in luck then"

Their voices were calm, but there was a tension that only occurred in meeting of people with such might and personality. The current strongest esper of new era and the very first, strongest female of old era. It was a wonder why the place didn't crumble from the very pressure of power.

"So, what do you want?"

"I want to discuss something with you. I think only someone with your power, experiences and authority can understand..."

"You know, whenever this generation talks about power, they leave me out surprisingly often. If I wasn't so evolved, I could decide to take it personally. Well, isn't this quite a reunion for all of us? Me and my greatest masterpieces, the one to start it all, and the one to reach the peak... you wanted to talk about me, my Child of the Beginning... or should I say Hasako-san now? All of this made me realize that because of that delightful skip in time, you are only 50 years younger than me despite your looks. Now that's something not everyone can say. Oh, don't look that surprised Accelerator. Is it that strange for a former Board Chairman to check on how the new one is doing on the job?"

They didn't see anyone get inside. Not even one molecule of air moved.

But somehow, the blond woman in beige habit was sitting on the chair in the corner of the room, her long legs crossed and a mischievous smile on her face. Eyeing both of their surprised faces, she spread her arms wide open

"Guess who?!"

(TO BE CONTINUED)

There is a rather valid frustration that Rikuri forgot about kissing plus snuggling session. But I assure you that this is all great for eventual reveal of feelings in the future. Besides, I thought that this time around, it will be interesting to have Touma remember and other party forget. And it's not like it will stay like this for good. It is a bit frustrating, but this is just Touma's luck. Was it convinient? Yeah, a bit, but let's be honest, his misfortune was (in)convinient many times and Kamachi didn't even want to hide it all that much. So Rikuri's memory gap because of aphrodisiac serves more of a comedic purpose.

So, there you have my take on Gokusai family history. Of course it is an original story, but I hope you found it good in your experiences. I sometimes base problems some of the characters face on real life problems I encounter while I study psychological cases of human behaviour. You may think that Yua associating children with husband's death is unnerving, but it is unfortunately more common than many think, and those people often suffer because of that. I also thought a lot about Haruto's death. It was simple and could be seem as a little underwhelming. But most tragic accidents are often most simple ones with most pathetic causes of death. Life can end in many stupid ways, which only should make us appreciate it more.

Note that in my history the main motif throughout Gokusai family generations is love, which brings both fortune and tragedy. It exemplified in Rina's love for her sisters and eventually finding soulmate in Kotaro, Yukino's lack of respect for finer love and, in result, her first unwanted pregnancy, Aya's disownment cause by her choosing love over family rules (and giving birth to Oriana), Yua's resentment for her sister for choosing a man over her, her slow shift in feelings caused by Haruto's feelings, love for her daughter, and ultimately a devastation which was caused by her husband's accidental death and the inability to cope with her feelings. Finally, we have our three sisters themselves, that are rather obviously changed through love towards Touma.

Fragments of songs that Rikuri sings are:

"The Drugs Song" by Adam Key & Amateur Transplants

"The Periodic Table Song" by Engineered Labs