MISTLETOE OF THE WIND
PAINTED PRISON CHRONICLES EXCLUSIVE ONE-SHOT SPIN-OFF
CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE OF KONGOU MITSUKO AND FRIENDS
CHAPTER 1
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THIS STORY IS A SUPPLEMENT SPIN-OFF TO MY FIRST, MAIN STORY: 'PAINTED PRISON CHRONICLES' i.e IT BELONGS TO THE UNIVERSE CREATED WITHIN THAT PARTICULAR STORY FRAME. AS SUCH, IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR THE READER TO READ/HAVE SOME KNOWLEDGE OF EVENTS OF THAT FANFIC. IN OTHER CASES, UNDERSTANDING CHARACTER'S BEHAVIOUR, INTERACTIONS, MOTIVATIONS, AND REFERENCES (THAT ARE IN MAJORITY BASED ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF EVENTS IN PAINTED PRISON CHRONICLES) CANNOT BE GUARANTEED.
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Merry Christmas and hello, everyone. I returned in probably rather unexpected form, with a brand new Christmas-themed spin-off to my main series, Painted Prison Chronicles. I say unexpected because, well... not only there was some time since the publication of PPC's chapter 34 in November, but now I return with a new story?
First of all, I described my situation regarding the delay with Painted Prison Chronicles in the comments of that story. I feel like I will be repeating myself a lot (I will also say this in foreword to chapter 35 of PPC when it comes out) but to give you an abridged version, most of December was incredibly taxing, challenging, and stressful. Some pretty big events are ahead of me in life, I also had a lot of things going on in my academic life, alongside lots of assignments. As such, I did not have the liberty to write without the risk of burning out, since I was already writing a lot of things. And when I am tired or stressed over a certain level, things I write just won't come out okay. I just had to wait for the correct moment, there was simply no other option, as much as it pained me and as much as it frustrated me. But well, what's done is done and I can only hope things will slowly get better from now on (even though January may be a challenge in itself as well, as there is a rather important journey ahead of me during that time)
I had to say that and I will probably say it again in the proper PPC. But to those waiting for the next chapter and lamenting that there won't be new chapters, don't worry. Painted Prison Chronicles is alive and well, I just need a bit more time. Chapter 35 is being written right now, although I can't specify exact date of release yet. I will try to make it as fast as I can. So rest assured, it will come, I didn't forget about it, I just didn't have physical and mental capacity to write, against my intent. Also, I read GT8 and GT9 and I have a lot to say about it and what it can mean for PPC universe... most importantly how will I handle Transcendents and what to do with Bologna and Misaki's possible relationship, since the crack-theory was wrecked on almost all levels... but don't worry, we will get to that in time.
NOW, let's get properly to this story. Mistletoe On The Wind (MOW) is a story branching off Painted Prison Chronicles, and connected closely to it. It is a one-shot, which will probably have 3 or 4 chapters before conclusion. It tells a romance and slice-of life Christmas story, with main heroine being Kongou Mitsuko, alongside her best friends Wannai Kinuho and Awatsuki Maaya, and of course Kamijou Touma. The search for perfect gift will lead to moments of both comedy and heart-to-heart in this holiday tale. I think it is also a method to distance myself from heavy action for a moment and gather my thoughts on what to do next when it comes to my storywriting
A worthy question is why I am making a separate one-shot spin-off instead of making it a mini-arc in PPC, unrelated to main plotline, like I did couple times in the past. Firstly, I wanted to make Tokiwadai's Anti-Newtonian Trio (predominantly Kongou, at least at first) the main heroines of the story, with Kaibi and the others playing supporting roles, which does not suit original PPC. Secondly, this story is an additional tale, that can be neatly contained as stand-alone tale in few chapters. Thirdly, I wanted to publish this story around Christmas, with new chapters coming during winter holidays, and within Painted Prison Chronicles, I couldn't have such chapter right now after what we left off on.
Also, why this story specifically? This is a tribute to one of my absolute favourite crackships and potential relationships in the series, Kamijou Touma and Kongou Mitsuko, with the equal-footing additions of his potential relationships with Wannai Kinuho and Awatsuki Maaya. Just like Nephthys on Magic Side, I have a particularly soft spot and love for Kongou Mitsuko. I love that character, from the way she looks to how complex she is despite initially seeming very simple, how she is both rich and prideful, but adorkable, generous, and loyal. Ever since I got to know her, I thought Kongou meeting Touma would not only have the potential to be hilarious, but also very wholesome, warm, and passionate. There is something about that ship that makes me think 'this would be so great and enjoyable to watch', through all of their similarities and differences.
Similar thoughts apply to Kongou's friends, Wannai Kinuho and Awatsuki Maaya. I wanted to also develop their potential relationships with Touma because Wannai was the facto one with the longest canon interaction and Awatsuki is practically unexplored. For that matter, they are both underused when it comes to the potential relationship with Touma. And if someone knows my earlier writing, they know that I like to utilize and expand on what is underused or underrated in the main, canon story.
Thus, I want to create genuinely nice moment between these three and Touma, and also give Touma something memorable. When it comes to writing Kongou, I am always reminded of legendary A Certain Unknown Level 0. If you didn't read it, you can skip the next paragraph.
I was deeply enjoying reading Kongou Arc within that fanfic, even if the events that transpired were not very good for Touma himself. But from the lecture of that arc, I came to a conclusion what I wanted in my rendition of Kongou Mitsuko. ACUL0 Kongou's character development revolves around overcoming her hate for Touma's misfortune and understanding the worth of Touma's sacrifice and help for her out of selflessness of his heart, going as far as to confront Kongou's father. That change was great and once again, I deeply enjoyed that version of Kongou. Yet I decided that my own interpreation would not be as such. 'My Kongou' already decided to pursue Kamijou earlier on in the story, and acts like a maiden in love, who can still have her firm view on the matter, but is very supportive of Touma and cooperates with him on many levels. Because I think that if we go through her pride and dramatic flare, we get a very sensitive, compassionate, funny, and beautiful girl, who may have what it takes to make Touma happy through very similar value system regarding other people. And the fact that she can always support him financially, ;)
Wannai and Awatsuki also have their unique characterizations in the story. Wannai Kinuho grew stronger thanks to Touma and is hoping to get him to see her as capable. Similarly to Kanzaki Kaori, Wannai thinks of paying off the debt, with debt actually turning into love. As for Awatsuki, she has a deeply rooted feelings stemming from Touma respecting her in contrast to her patriarchal family, and also taking time really notice and appreciate her. All in all, I thought that no story for Kongou would be truly complete without some form of involvement form Wannai and Awatsuki, as the friendship of entire trio is very precious. And so can be a love square, I suppose.
Just as a trivia reminder, in PPC universe's so called future phase, alternate layer of reality created from the unification of different timelines in which Kamijou Touma happily got together with one member of his harem (each), Kamijou Touma and Kongou Mitsuko had fraternal twins together, girl by the name Miya, and boy by the name of Tomoya. Similarly, Wannai Kinuho and Awatsuki Maaya had Mizumi and Hayate, a girl and a boy, respectively.
I think that is it for now, all that needs to be said. I hope to see you all soon in my next chapters and project in, hopefully, near future. I thank you for your support and welcome you to have a nice and pleasant read.
Without futher adue, let the Christmas adventure begin!
Kongou Mitsuko was elated. And not just because the holiday spirit filled the corridors of the esteemed Tokiwadai Middle School. Also, it wasn't just for the chance to enjoy this blissful night with friends and family, as much as she wanted it. No, this Christmas was different from the others that preceded because of something else... or rather someone else.
Some time before this Christmas, intelligent, beautiful lady filled with charm and glamour, none other than herself, took longer while than usual to locate her friends. Yes, it was that reason and that alone, certainly not the fact that she suddenly had no idea where she was or that she could not distinguish the scenery. And all of the sudden, some man swooped her into his arms. A monster ascended onto the street and despite her own thoughts and the fact that they were strangers, the man shed his ordinary clothes revealing himself as a knight with a shield upon his right arm, which he then used to shield her, the beautiful maiden. After sacrificing himself heroically to stop the beast, the gallant gentleman told Kongou to go, promising that they will meet again.
Well, maybe the monster was a very angry level 5 shooting energy beams, a knight was a very frazzled and exasperated teen with a spiky hair, and it all played out in much shorter time... but for one reason or another, something about that encounter struck Kongou in her heart. At first, she was about to dismiss it, her pride still fighting against the importance of the feelings that started to bud in her heart at that. Yet as much as she was skeptical, they met again. And again. Until she could no longer hide that she was enamoured through their encounters. Her, the amazing Kongou Mitsuko, had found someone she chose to call her beloved.
Although, in truth, they were yet to actually get close enough together to be a pair. But the resolute airline heiress was now convinced that all she had to was put some effort into wooing him. And there was no better moment than Christmas Eve.
"It's happening, Ekaterina-chan. My first Christmas since I met darling! And I have some big plans for it."
A big boa constrictor adorned with red ribbon, stirred within the terrarium and slithered through the hole on the side. Ekaterina could be seen as imposing by others, including many of Kongou's own friends (with notable exception of fascinated Uiharu Kazari) but was in fact very well behaved and trained for a reptile. The girl and the snake were together for years and Kongou had complete faith to let her roam around the room and usually understood her needs perfectly despite the snake not having the most expressive mimic abilities
"Hissssssss..."
"Yes, I know I have to hurry. I wouldn't want Wannai-san and Awatsuki-san to be waiting for me"
The girl known as Kongou Mitsuko cared and cherished the bonds she gained throughout her time in Academy City very deeply. Even if one could get the impression that she was filthy rich (rather undeniable) and spoiled (only a healthy bit), that did not mean she lacked heart or virtue. In fact, one of Kongou Mitsuko's greatest dreams was being surrounded by joyful group of friends and enjoying life in good company. Though she tended to be clumsy in her pursuit of grandeur and drama, her desires were genuine. She was a proof that material richness could go along kind heart, and pride along generosity. It was such a rarity in current times that she once made Kankyougami Hasako feel that future of noble echelons of japanese society was in good hands.
Kongou finished combing her silky raven hair, checked her nails, eyebrows and lashes, dusted off her uniform, before nodding in approval.
Tokiwadai Middle School was rather strict when it came to dress code. Students had to wear school uniforms during all week, even beyond school grounds. However, upon request, some modifications to the primary model of the outfit could be done to accentuate, like gloves and stockings enjoyed by #5 level 5, Shokuhou Misaki. In addition, nothing in the rules said that student couldn't add their own touch to the outfit, as long as it didn't fully overshadow primary uniform.
Kongou Mitsuko, as a teenage model and someone who took pride in her appearance, couldn't simply walk out in her regular winter uniform without adding some touch appropriate to the occasion. She was already prepared to beautify the city with some holiday flare in form of the functional accessories.
So to compliment her regular outfit, she had crimson mini-cape with white, fluffy lining,, draped on her shoulders and upper back. There was also a high hat covered in creamy white, artificial fur, that resembled something between bearskin and toque, similar to fashionable part of woman wardrobe of countries enjoying cold climates. It contrasted nicely with Kongou's dark hair and complimented the girl's signature fan, that was changed to crimson red with small white feathers.
"Off I go!"
"Hisssssssssssssss!"
Upon hearing the annoyed hiss, Kongou slammed her hand onto her large, pristine forehead.
"Oh dear, of course, your afternoon snack! I am so terribly sorry, Ekaterina-chan! Here you go, mom is going to feed you right away!"
All was forgiven with a big portion of dead critters and some exclusive portion of meat that Kongou kept in a separate fridge. Ekaterina let out a sound of appreciation and went back to her terrarium, coiling herself to sleep just as her owner left in a hurry.
Winter descended upon Academy City, painting a picturesque landscape filled with snow and lights below the dark sky. Well, it wasn't exactly traditional winter picture, given the modern nature of the city, but Kongou considered it to have some of its own glamour as she exited her dormitory.
"Kongou-san, we are here!"
"Are you ready to go to the ballroom?"
Her two best friends, Wannai Kinuho and Awatsuki Maaya, were waiting for her just in front of the building. They were wearing their winter uniforms alongside their own additions of christmas touch. Wannai had a small garland of holly in her wavy brown hair, while Awatsuki had crimson-white stockings and glows.
Kongou smiled warmly at them and they reciprocated the warmth.
"Yes, let us go! I expect that there would be lots of emotions involved in this year"
"Why would you say that?" Wannai asked.
"Lady's intuition."
"Does it have something to do with Kamijou-san?" Awatsuki said within a flash of insight.
"Who knows, who knows..."
One more fact to know about Tokiwadai during winter season was that it didn't really celebrated Christmas on the administrative level. More so, students were usually cleaning the city and then were locked up at school. None of the trio of friends fancied this winter clean-up, even though last year it went fast when they combined forces. They also knew they weren't alone in the sentiment, with Misaka Mikoto, #3 level 5 and their shared friend, also vocally disliking the practice during the holiday season.
Thus, it all went down to the legendary practice of Christmas escape. It was quite challenging to escape from under supervision, but Kongou was convinced that if Misaka-san and Shokuhou-san could do it, then so could they, if need arisen.
Years before, Kongou wouldn't really think about leaving the school grounds a year ago. But now, not only herself, but Wannai, Awatsuki, and lots of other girls gained another, substantial motivation.
They were heading to the ballroom, and upon entering it, they could already see that it was filled to the fullest extent with a huge number of girls from various years and classes, from both Inner and Outer Dorm.
"I heard of this practice, but never actually got a chance to partake in it. This is quite exciting"
Proposed by Hokaze Junko, the majority of Tokiwadai students chose to partake in gift exchange, or so called Christmas Helper. For those unfamiliar with the practice, it consisted of giving one gift to the person which you randomly picked from random group of lots.
Kongou waved at Mikoto, who quickly approached her, waving back.
"Hi, Kongou-san. Oh, Wannai and Awatsuki-san are here too, that's great."
"Hello to you too, Misaka-san"
Chestnut haired girl made a wide gesture at the people in the ballroom.
"Wow, I never saw so many people in Tokiwadai actually excited for this time of year. Tokiwadai policy really brings the spirit's down in that regard, but this year, everyone is filled with energy"
"Ohohoho... I take you are oblivious to the rumors, Misaka-san?" Kongou spread her fan with a haughty smile" It's not because we are merely exchanging gifts, albeit that's a very nice thing too. It's about... the rumoured addition to the practice."
"I-It's not like I am excited to be a part of this because of that!"
"Your insincerity ability is as dull and unflattering as ever, Misaka-san" came a new voice.
"Shokuhou-san! I see that your clique is also here as well." said Wannai, upon exchanging the greetings.
"But of course" Shokuhou winked to the irritated Mikoto" With this year's stakes, I would not miss it for the world"
"Was it your idea? I know that a lot of things within your clique happen because of your influence"
Shokuhou shook her head upon Kongou's question.
"No, this was actually and sincerely Junko-san's idea. She loves this time of year and wanted for all of us to enjoy it as a school. And as a benevolent queen that I am, I of course gave her space and blessing to go forward with it. Well, I would suggest for couple things to be done differently, but-"
"Oh, it's her!" Awatsuki motioned at the higher scene at the end of the ballroom.
Indeed, Hokaze Junko moved onto the stage and to the microphone stand.
"Hello everyone..." she spoke, her purple ringlet curls moving slightly as she spread her arms" It's so nice to see you today..."
As the group moved closer to hear Junko better, someone jumped at Misaka from above.
"Oh, onee-sama, I finally found y-ugh!"
Shirai Kuroko, because it could only be her, was swiftly intercepted and then thrown to the ground by Mikoto, who sighed, looking at her very excited roommate, who was once again a step from being completely over the Railgun.
"Not that there is any good time to be felt up, Kuroko, but right now I want to listen to Hokaze-san"
"...it's so nice to see all of us together, after one more year of shared journey of education and friendship" their pure upperclassman continued" I hope that all of your wishes come true and that we will spend more wonderful moments together in the future to come. Thank you all very much"
A storm of applause met those words. Junko bowed politely and then motioned to the large glass bowl, filled with dozens of pieces of paper.
"This year, with the approval from student council, I managed to propose an interesting way to make this magical time of year. It will facilitate the gift-giving in this institution, but also allow you to create new connections through the magic of Christmas. The paper draws were made and checked by 4 unrelated students, so there is no trick here. Just come by and draw the piece, which will tell you the name of the recipient of your gift. Because I understand that Tokiwadai is a large school and finding the right present for some completely unknown people can be hard and taxing, trading is permitted, if done voluntarily and with permission of both sides. That's really all of the basic rules. But before we go any further, I want to say about a name added on mine, but I think not only mine, insistence. There were some doubts about that choice, but there should not be! I am talking about the fact that among names added to this group of student names there is a name of someone that is not a student, yet he is connected to our school"
A wave of whispers spread through the crowd. Kongou, Wannai, and Awatsuki waited, while bating their breath.
"That someone is of course Kamijou Touma-senpai"
The whispers got much louder. Kongou smiled triumphantly, Wannai blushed, Awatsuki clenched her fist in a victory gesture, Mikoto sparked in nervousness, while Shokuhou touched her lips in rather seductive fashion. Only Kuroko rolled her eyes in annoyance.
Junko raised her hand and nodded to the crowd.
"I realize that this is unprecedented. But I think vast majority of us have some kind of connection with this boy. Who he is to each of you and whether your bonds had ups and downs is up to your discretion. But in my eyes, he helped numerous girls that are the students of this esteemed institution, some of them more than once and to some of them, he was the only option for salvation when help could not come from any other side. For this bravery and compassion, I want to include him in our gift exchange. He deserves someone to give him something that would make him happy"
Some people merely nodded, but many cheered in applause.
What Hokaze Junko said held very much true. Through the means of his misfortune or by some other random means, the spiky-haired boy, currently living with the trio of blond ex-assassins under one roof, often met, get chased by, saved, and, even though some were not so fast to admit it, enamoured numerous girls. With the order of those links in the chain of events being rather flexibly interchangeable.
This was the point of this year's Christmas that most girls were excited about. So when Hokaze Junko welcomed people to come to the stage, one by one, the anticipation settled around everyone. Quite a few girls wanted to notice a sign of possession of the piece of paper with name of the certain boy on it.
But time passed. Misaka Mikoto got a familiar cat psychometry specialist, Shokuhou let out a sigh while looking at the name 'Misaka Mikoto' and wondering if fate hated her, Wannai got Yumiya Rakko and Awatsuki drew Kirifu Megumi. Kongou felt her heart sink when she looked at her own piece of paper at noticed Shirai Kuroko's name on it. It could have been worse, but she really hope for the chance to get a present to her darling.
And speaking of Shirai Kuroko, she happened to take the last turn. Her face was sour. Maybe it was because she noticed just how intently Shokuhou Misaki was looking at Misaka Mikoto and added two and two together. She went there having bad expectations and upon actually seeing the piece of paper.
"Geh..."
It wasn't particularly loud and if it was anyone else, it would not make a difference, not at all. But because Kuroko was last and because it was Kuroko, the girls' heads turned in her direction in rather terrifying synch.
Despite change in Kuroko's heart regarding that boy, she would still prefer her onee-sama. And everyone knew that. And thus...
A single rule that allowed the exchange with Kamijou Touma's name as one of the recipients to function, the lack of knowledge of who drew him, was broken.
Kuroko's eyes widened and she teleported back. The crowd moved forward.
"Emm..." she muttered, raising her arms" I am not really bent on this, so I can give it away. If someone has my onee-sama-"
But the chaos broke after first part of the sentence. The dignity suddenly burst into flames and turned into ash.
Something zoomed through the space and suddenly pulled the paper out of Kuroko's hand.
It was Ki, one of the girl's from Shokuhou's clique, with the ability of Wild Speed.
She triumphantly held the piece with Kamijou Touma's name... before slamming onto the wall of solidified nitrogen and letting it go.
Her best friend, Mei, also from Shokuhou clique, clasped her hand apologetically in front of her chest.
"I am sorry, but I can't let such occasion go. I am..."
The piece of paper was pulled from her grasp and Kirifu Megumi called it to her hand via telekinetic force...
Before Yumiya Iruka caused a flash of light and jumped to snatch from mid-air.
Hokaze Junko, still on stage, blinked innocently in confusion.
"What... what is going on? Everybody?"
"Honestly, this is so barbaric... and it can be ended with one simple"
Yet Shokuhou Misaki never got the chance to use her remotes. Because the entire bag was forcibly magnetized and catapulted away. Mikoto smirked as she joined the fray
"Sorry Shokuhou, not today"
"Mi-MISAKA-SAN!"
"Kongou-san, should we join too" Awatsuki asked this question, even if it was evident that she was more than eager to engage.
Kongou was battling her own internal battle On the one hand, her dignity didn't really wished to be abandoned for such a squabble. But on the other, when she saw a glimpse of paper over the heated game of catch if you can, decision was already made.
The battle lasted for almost 10 minutes, with esper powers, chairs, shoes, and even completely unexplained hoard of cats all flying in different directions, before it ended on the piece of paper with Kamijou Touma's name being completely destroyed beyond recognition.
Thus, to keep peace, it was decided that in addition to the one gift for other Tokiwadai student, any student could give Kamijou Touma a present should they so wish. With how popular the boy became, it was almost certain almost each and every student at this revered middle school was about to deliver two presents.
In truth, this should probably done from the very beginning.
But this change in the formula also introduced the element that was unseen before.
A certain level of competitiveness when it came to securing a present for that boy.
Kongou Mitsuko knitted her prominent eyebrows, that resembled strokes of calligraphy brush, looking at the darkening sky with determination.
'I, Kongou Mitsuko, allow myself to only choose the finest of things and people in their quality. And it goes without saying that a gift from me will be the greatest. Not to mention for my darling, my future husband~ Ah, even thought instead of spoken, it sounds so marvellous!'
She turned to Wannai and Awatsuki and pointed at the outside, to the gates of the School Garden in the distance.
"We should go shopping as quickly as we can, before the regulations and curfew. We should probably go to Seventh Mist shopping center."
"Oh, splendid" Wannai agreed" Misaka-san spoke of it in the past and it sounded like a good place for the shopping like this one."
"Then let's go there and find best presents for darling! What about you, Misaka-san?"
"I'll go too. I-I know good places to shop in the mall." Mikoto stuttered out, hiding the mixture of excitement and embarrassment.
"It goes without saying that I will participate in this as well. I just need to talk with Junko-san for a moment" Shokuhou added.
"What about you, Kuroko? Are you coming to shop too?"
The teleporter grumbled something under her breath.
"I suppose..."
"What was that?"
"I suppose... with almost everyone buying that ape gifts, I would stick out if I didn't get him something... I will go for the shopping too"
Kongou Mitsuko smiled and spread fan, while exclaiming
"Let's go acquire some gifts then!"
(1 HOUR LATER)
Kongou Mitsuko, as prideful as she was, began to admit one simple thing.
She was lost. Already, after mere 20 minutes after arriving at the mall.
They decided to split up and reunite some time later at the center of the mall. Mikoto went her way from the very beginning, while Wannai and Awatsuki inquired couple of times if she didn't want them to come with her. However, Kongou thought that, at least for first tries, it would boost their creativity if they searched in different places. If they were to come empty-handed, then they would work on the search together.
But... Kongou wasn't really good at reading maps. Or rather, for most of her life, she had no need to do so. After a while she had no idea where she was. So she was roaming through the mall, directionless and clueless where she was heading.
Not that it mattered, because for now, she had no idea where she was going. Within her head, a storm of thoughts battled over what suggestion for a gift could be the best.
Naturally, as a daughter of airline business, some of her thoughts circled around this area.
'Maybe I give him a coupon for 10 free flights? Or permanent first class seat? Oh, but does he actually enjoy flying? I hope he does. I know he would if he flew towards some good experience, but from what I heard, he usually goes around the world to help someone or is thrown into danger... would that make him associate the flying with bad experiences? In that case, maybe I could get him relaxing holidays... but I would have to do this without putting any more absences in his attendance... but that would be nice. A beach, me and him, with no one to watch what may unfold...'
Kongou's cheeks and imagination were becoming heated for more reasons than one. She slowly forced herself to banish the thought of Touma's face closing to her own.
'But is it really fine if I give him something insubstantial? I want to give him lasting memory, that is for certain, but how exactly do I go on with that? Now that I think about it, it is a first time I am giving a gentleman a gift. More even, it's the first time I am giving darling anything, if we aren't counting the album I did with Wannai-san and Awatsuki-san, and me paying for the meals we ate. I have to make this truly special. On our wedding anniversaries, darling will think back to this very moment and say: Oh, Mitsuko honey, from that very moment, I knew you are the best, and most brilliant woman in the whole wide world'
Yes, Kongou's imagination did not stay restrained for very long.
She was so entranced in her musings that she almost walked straight onto the sign on the side of overpass.
"Ow! What is-"
She then looked at the sign and gasped.
"Christmas Lottery? Buy our product, enter the lottery, win matching Christmas costumes and couple photoshoot?!"
Kongou's destination was immediately set.
(MEANWHILE, AT DIFFERENT PART OF THE MALL)
Wannai Kinuho walked slowly, her puffy hair bouncing slightly with every step. The girl was eyeing the brightly lit and decorated display windows. The mall was hustling and bustling with storm of sensations for all the senses. The dancing lights, christmas tree, star decorations, and neon signs. The chatter of many students going back and forth through the corridors, bellowing of some advertisers, carols in the air. The mixture of cold and hot air, the smells of cinnamon and hot cocoa, it all made a truly Christmas climate. Even though Japan as a country was in majority non-christian, that didn't mean student population skipped on the occasion for holiday festivity.
Amongst all of it, Wannai Kinuho was thinking hard about the gift idea. She knew more or less what to give Yumiya-san after she asked Hokaze-san about it, but Touma was another, much more personal story.
Wannai considered Kongou Mitsuko extremely precious to her, just like with Misaka Mikoto, who saved her just after she arrived at the city. But when it came to Kamijou Touma, Wannai was secretly proud that out of herself, Kongou, and Awatsuki, she was the first to actually commence a bond with Touma on her own. Although clumsily and not without difficulty of shying away.
Since then, she was hoping for the opportunity to rectify her attempt at conversation and truly speak with the boy. And after some time, not only did she get the opportunity but also received a lot of help from Touma in her quest to reach to level 4. Now, she bonded with him properly, but in her gratitude, she also felt indebted for the kindness she received from a level 0. So, with this opportunity on Christmas Eve, Wannai was more than eager to do something nice for Touma. She still remembered how wonderful she felt when Touma's soup helped to cure her cold. To this day, she hoped and wished for him to enjoy the photobook they created for him. She knew for a fact that she was rather embarrassed at first, but over time, she was proud in a way that she could pose for the boy she liked a lot.
As for the gift herself, Wannai was currently cupping her face with her hands, walking alongside the edge of the fountain in one of the open spaces of the mall.
"I would really like him to think about me when he sees or uses that gift" trying as she did, Wannai did not succeed in speaking this out without blushing" Something that would be reminiscent of times we had, even though they were not so much time to speak of..."
What was something that would bring her to Touma's mind and set her apart from all the other girls? Something distinguishing, something very clearly connected...
She perked up at the sound of the water splashing on the edge of the fountain. She then smiled, reaching out with her hand. A stream of liquid shot up, swirled around her arm before ending back in the fountain's pool.
Water! Of course. Kamijou Touma surely did not know many Hydro Hand users. The usage of liquid in the gift would surely make him think of her.
Wannai put a hand to her lips, thinking hard before noticing one of the advertisments.
"Yes! This just might be it!"
(MEANWHILE, IN YET ANOTHER PLACE AT THE MALL)
Awatsuki Maaya was, to no surprise, also thinking hard about her gift. Albeit her train of thought was going through a route different than her friends.
For quite some time, she and Kamijou Touma had no connection whatsoever. More so, she even became jealous that he was stealing away the time she could spend with Wannai and Kongou-san. She attempted to sabotage his bonds. But through his actions, he seemed more like a nice, ordinary guy, who had no ill intent. This was precisely why, despite her attitude at the time, she started to find Kamijou Touma more and more likeable. It culminated in Touma calling her bluff and attempting to spend day with 'real Awatsuki'.
She had to admit, this was very effective and made her much more comfortable around him. Contrary to some of her friends, Awatsuki Maaya was not exactly unfamiliar with the opposite sex. She had younger brothers and very patriarchal household to live in outside Academy City. Her mother was a very quiet and modest woman who could not even dream of trying to shine on the same level as her dominating husband.
Her father did not exactly fancy passing his heavy machine industry into her hands. He didn't believe she could be a good head of the family. So for much of her life, she was in a conflict between beauty and strength, lady-like attitude and strong-willed force. Yet Kamijou Touma saw no conflict in the first place. He told her it was okay to choose the role that she wanted to embrace and not limit herself to just one label out of many.
Her ability granted her great strength as the side effect of buoyancy manipulation she could exert on matter around her. She was also a lady of Tokiwdai and a girl who took joy in finding her own way of style. But if she were to choose something now, if she wanted to choose form of her gift for this particular occasion...
"I would like to do something for him, not just give him something..."she quietly mused out loud" In which my abilities could be of use and I could perform well... but I also want him to... find me c-cute and feminine... charming, to say. What would a gentleman like him enjoy, that would fit this criteria..."
She then saw someone at the corner of her eye. She straightened herself up. There was something peculiar about this pair. She thought that she saw them somewhere before.
(MEANWHILE WITH KONGOU)
Kongou Mitsuko had one the angriest pouts that her face ever expressed.
"W-What do you mean I didn't win?" she said in exasperation.
"Miss, I am very sorry, but... the probability can be cruel sometimes"
"I bought almost half of your magazine!"
The clerk swallowed hard. When you combined maiden in love with the financial ability of one of the richest japanese families, what was considered too much went through redefinition.
"I-I am so very sorry. I will think about something, but all the awards were already-"
Kongou sighed, her face shifting from anger to mild frustration.
"No, that's... okay. I just planned something, but that's not your fault. You can send the purchased clothes to this address when you have time. Merry Christmas"
After she exited the shop, she sighed, slumping down on the bench outside the shop. She brushed her stylized fringes of hair in contemplation.
"How should I go on from now?" she asked herself.
The issue on hand was not exactly what was the struggle for many. For example, affording the present was not any problem at all for Kongou. If it was to make her darling happy, she was able to put in a lot of effort. So buying things was laughably simple.
Yet... this only made the issue of what exactly was a good present a valid one.
If she could buy almost anything on a whim, that made the ambitions she put on herself all the greater. She wanted Touma's gift to be special.
One could say that this was overthinking. Maybe it was, but honestly, Kongou didn't care. She was never in love before and just as she expected the world to admire her splendor, she wished the same for someone she chose to love.
Was buying a gift in a form of event really a good option when it came to Touma? Did she go for it from a wrong angle?
"Oh, that's a rare sight" came a voice coming from her right" I met you just a few times, most notably on cases of Veritas and Kyozetsu, but you never looked so gloom."
Kongou looked up to see a girl with a bleached blond hair and pinkish-violet eyes, wearing a fashionable winter dress, with silver necklace and golden bracelets.
She recognized her and got up.
"Gokusai Kaibi-san. I wasn't... I am not really gloom, I am just... contemplative. What are you doing here?"
Kaibi let out a sigh of her own.
"I need to get few gifts of my own. My older sister and Touma are back at our house, dealing with incoming dinner preparations, and younger one is spending time with her friends. I am probably going to pick her up once I am done here"
Kongou did not know if it was deliberate, but the relaxed way in which Kaibi said 'our home' when referred to herself and Touma, and the way she almost seemed to glow after saying that, sent sharp pang of jealousy through brunette's heart. It was not such a long since she learned of Kamijou Touma temporary mixed-gender housing She forced it back, as Kaibi sat next to her.
"So... what is actually bothering you?"
"N-Nothing. Why would anything bother me?"
Kaibi smirked. Kongou did not want to talk, preferring to not reveal her troubles in search for the perfect gift.
However, she did not realize that few could be silent in front of Gokusai Kaibi if she wanted them talking. Few could remain silent, and even fewer could lie.
In one moment, Kongou pursed her lips tight. In the next, Kaibi's eyes glowed and Kongou did not realize how could she not talk all that time. After all, Kaibi was one of her closest friends.
With Kongou's 'heart' on hook and drawn closer, Kaibi listened to the emotional and vivid description of Kongou Mitsuko's determination.
"I think you're overthinking things..." she finally began.
"You think so?"
"... so I would like to say, but I think I can empathize with you. Shopping for him is no easy task. On the one hand, he says that he is fine with anything good, but it's like an answer that is technically correct yet does not get you any step closer from what you actually want to get."
"Oh, you took it from my mouth, Gokusai-san" Kongou exclaimed, standing up and spreading her arms wide" I know he doesn't like things being done too big, but on the other hand, I want to use all resources available. But between wanting to give him something memorable and not wanting him to be upset through overdoing it, it is a grand endeavour"
Kaibi titled her head and thought for a moment.
"Honestly, I am impressed by you. To be frank, I thought you ojou-samas liked to toy with a boys. Not that I am a saint in that regard either, not at all, with the practices I've been undertaking in the past, but... I didn't suspect that you were seriously serious to be his girlfriend"
"Preposterous!" Kongou turn to the side, her hair swishing alongside her motion" Of course I am serious. I don't care if we don't make sense to anyone other than ourselves. I realize I still don't know a lot about him, but I want to learn more. This why I am more than serious. And just so you know, I am striving to become a wife, not a girlfriend. That preceding step is a given."
Kaibi's eye twitched slightly.
'This girl... eyes on the price, as they say. She is a worthy rival to have.'
"Okay, I believe you. I also want to impress him. This is our first Christmas together..."
Kongou Mitsuko was striving to be a model lady. Ladies did not get jealous because of your rival's smugness. Therefore, the thought of accidentally sending the bench Kaibi was sitting on straight to stratosphere had certainly some other reason for appearing in her head.
"... I think about giving him a something that would help him relax. He is constantly under pressure and deserves a break" Kaibi continued, before addressing Kongou and turning her ability off" Since, like I said, I am impressed by your feelings, I might give you a hint. It's-"
"Absolutely not! I will not take ready suggestion" Kongou shook her head" It would not be special then"
"Don't worry. This is not a ready suggestion. In fact, it will still leave the field of possibilities very broad. But I think, if I were to search for good gift for him, look for something that is essential for Kamijou Touma as an individual. Something that is core to him being... well, him"
"Something essential..." Kongou frowned, tapping her finger on her fan" Something indispensable to his being..."
"I know you figure something out. I am off to find a evening party dress."
"There is a limited line in the store on the first floor."Kongou responded quickly" If you go there, you can also get a discount for a male suit too"
Kaibi blinked in surprise, before smiling.
"Thanks. I know all professional shops with good quality dresses, but knowing about specific discounts and collections is another story. You know your fashion, I presume"
"You are not looking bad yourself"
Who said rivals could not have a degree of respect, even in the battlefield of feminine charm?
"I think we know why we are helping one another here. It's because with his bad luck..."
"... making him happier is less important than arguing over silly things"
"I am glad that we see eye to eye in that regard. See you around"
"Likewise"
Although she did not expect it at all, Kongou Mitsuko felt better after encountering Gokusai Kaibi. She let her thoughts run fast, as she walked across festively decorated hallway. She also wandered how Wannai and Awatsuki were faring.
"Maybe splitting up wasn't the best idea... I used to think I had to deal with things alone, but with my friends, maybe we could..."
Then her dark eyes widened as she smiled, shouting
"FRIENDS! OF COURSE!"
This outburst caused a few people to turn around.
With a small blush of embarrassment, she spread her fan and ended her thought.
"I have to meet up with my friends again. I have a great idea that just might work wonderfully"
(MEANWHILE, WITH WANNAI)
The cologne and perfume shop's male section was a foreign territory for Wannai Kinuho. She felt similarly to how Kamijou Touma sometimes felt in the female clothing section. The only experience she had with the manly perfume was ones used by her father. But idea she conceived led her here.
The cologne was linked to archetype masculinity in her mind. And as chaste and modest as she wanted to be, she couldn't deny that Kamijou Touma was close to this perfect idealization in her eyes. He was strong, kind, and charismatic in his own, often underappreciated way. Wannai saw the boy's bravery and efficiency during the heat wave expedition outside of Tokiwadai's premises. Initially adhering to the common view of superiority of Tokiwadai students to the lower levels in terms of combat efficiency against the elements, she got the reality check when exposed to actual fighting environment. And yet the boy, who was supposed to be one of the weakest, stood tall despite the strain of the fight, and managed to best the enemy that almost decimated them. It was that event that compelled her to not just let her relationship with the boy end at the clumsy, interrupted attempt of a conversation.
Plus, the cologne fit the liquid requirement of a gift that would be reminiscent of her. With her funds, she could easily afford sizeable bottle, which would last Kamijou long time.
But as sound as her idea was, it soon turned out that the variety of options was daunting in itself.
The brown haired ojou-sama sniffed one of the samples.
'That's too fruity. Doesn't suit him at all!'
She moved to another one
'Too extravagant. Something simpler.'
Another one...
'Too simple. That's still not it...'
Then came another...
'Too dull'
And another...
'Is that a smell of smoke? Why would anyone make such a cologne?'
Another... another... and another...
'Maybe they have something reminiscent of the ocean? That would be related to me too...'
She scanned the labels before seeing one described as 'Ocean Flow'. But as soon as she gave it a sniff...
"Ekhm! Ekhm! Gah!"
She exploded into fit of coughing. Tears burst from her eyes and she felt as if thousands of needles stabbed her nose and throat. Wannai rubbed her nose to stop the beginning of a sneeze and regained her composure. She fumed, looking at the bottle.
"There is a smell of ocean and iodine there, but why would someone make it so strong?! It's like the proper smell is the final accent of it all and the rest is so sharply burning! If he were to wear this, I would never be able to stand by his-"
Words died in her throat. She slowly turned around and looked in the mirror.
"Oh no..." she whispered" How big of a trap did I set for myself with this?"
From which point did she start choosing the colognes with herself in mind, and not Kamijou Touma? From which point did she start to choose her preference for Kamijou to wear, and not considering Kamijou's own taste. Granted, she did not really know his tastes... or for that matter, she didn't even know if he would appreciate cologne... but she should think about him first and not if she would be able to be on a date with him, if he were to put this on.
She sighed and slapped her cheeks with open palms.
"You are hopeless, Kinuho" she chastised herself" Get a hold of yourself"
Before she turned around, someone touched her shoulder.
"Hey, sorry, do you have moment? I would like to ask second opinion on something and the shop's stuff is taking their sweet time in the storing room"
The girl who spoke to her had a very prominent chest, luscious dark hair and very wide forehead, that reminded Wannai of Kongou's.
"Yes? Of course, however may I help you, miss..."
"Fukiyose. Fukiyose Seiri. "
"Hello, Fukiyose... senpai, I presume. My name is Wannai Kinuho"
"Nice to meet you. And it is not for me, but for my friend. Aisa, come here! I found someone who can help you. This is Himegami Aisa"
Another girl appeared, with a long black hair and rather collected face, in a winter coat and long dress. She bowed politely without saying a word.
"Would you help us choose the proper scent? She wants to buy something but relies on my opinion, even though I am not really a proper specialist."
"N-Neither am I!"
"I suppose you are not, but hey, two pairs of eyes are better than one. Or rather, two noses in this case"
"All right... I'll see what I can do. Is this for yourself or for someone else?"
"Myself..."
"Good. And what do you expect from a fragrance?"
"To be noticeable..."
"Pardon?"
"I just thought that... if I can't be visible for eyes, maybe perfume will draw his attention..."
"Oh, I... see. So it's for grabbing the attention of a gentleman. Now, let's see, let's see..."
They moved to female perfume section. It took a bit of time, some discussion with a girl named Fukiyose, and quite a few samples, before they finally settled on the incease-like smell, sweet yet also sharp enough to be uniquely recognizable.
"Thank you..."
"You are welcome. On the side note, I love your dress, Fukiyose-san. You look very good in it"
"Thank you. "the older girl smiled, moving around with a crimson dress accentuating her already voluptuous frame " It belonged to my mother when she was my age. I wanted to look good for someone when I invite him for dinner at 26th. I-I am not really used to looking like that and I usually don't, so..."
"No, no, I completely understand. From a bit of time, even though we only started to know each other, I also feel a very strong need to present myself in a good light for a certain gentleman. This boy you want to invite, is it your friend?"
"Yeah, we go a bit back. He's also our classmate. A clueless idiot and damn risk taker, but... nice and fun, in this stupid kind of way. I worry a lot about him, he keeps leaving mine and Aisa's sight. So I think treating him to something festive in the holiday season is a good start"
"Good start? Do you have something to apologize for"
Fukiyose coughed awkwardly and waved her hand.
"I might have been to hard on him a couple of times... but that's in the past... mostly"
"I hope you find luck on your own path" Himegami Aisa spoke softly to Wannai" And that includes love"
"L-Love? Why, thank you" Wannai blushed shyly" I am doing everything I-"
In her embarrassment, she walked a step back and bumped into the display of bottles. The shock caused her to stumble and fall on her back.
One of the bottles went over the edge and fell down.
Himegami gasped. Fukiyose threw her arm forward to grab it, but then Wannai did the very same thing. The only difference was that this stopped the bottle in mid-air.
"What... oh, I see" Fukiyose nodded" Hydro Hand, huh. Nice save"
Wannai Kinuho's ability allowed her to control water in bodies of liquid and control it , for example in the form of a stream.
It would a nice save.
Because the quiet plop of the cork coming out distracted Wannai enough for the liquid to still fall down onto her chest and clothes.
It was, of course, the infamous 'Ocean Flow'
(MEANWHILE, WITH AWATSUKI)
"Hamazura-san? It's you, right?"
Awatsuki Maaya run to the couple who walked right in front of her. The teen with a blond hair looked back and noticed her.
"Do I know you?"
"We met at Kyozetsu strategy meeting"
"Oh, right. One of forehead-chan's friends"
"Hamazura, you seem to have gotten closer to some girls in Tokiwadai if you are using nicknames" the girl by his side muttered with an edge in her voice, that if not for her slightly sleepy looking appearance, could have passed for annoyance.
"Wait, it was... Fuyutski-san!"
"Close, it's Awatsuki. Awatsuki Maaya"
"Right. So, what brings you to the realm of us commoners, Awatsuki-san?"
"I am actually looking for a gift for someone. And... oh, you must be Takitsubo Rikou-san? It's very nice to meet you"
Takitsubo moved her head to look at Awatsuki
"You know my name?"
"Yes. Hamazura-san described you as one of the best elements of his life when he talked about bonds between high and low level espers. I always thought your story was quite poetic."
Takitsubo's eyes moved to Hamazura and a smile broke through her flegmatic expression.
"Did he now?"
She then closed her eyes and kissed Hamazura on the cheek. Awatsuki turned away slightly.
Hamazura smiled, his mood soaring higher.
"Sure I did. Now, Awatsuki-san, you actively came to us, so you must have some kind of business with this gift of yours? We are on the lookout for a gift for rather demanding person, one who not only has many things but can get rather moody with things she does not like, so if we could moving to save time, it would be nice."
Awatsuki nodded and started to walk alongside the pair.
"You see... I am looking for a gift for..."
"Kamijou Touma"
"Huh?" Awatsuki jumped backwards, surprised" How did you know?"
"Expression on your face is all I need to see to know boss's strange magnetism is doing its magic again."
Takitsubo nodded in silent approval of her boyfriend's reasoning.
"So, what about boss... I mean, Kamijou Touma?"
"Well, I could not help but notice that you and Kamijou-san seem to have a bond similar to the one me and Wannai-san have..."
"If you mean that we are friends, yeah, sure, I consider him one any day"
"I knew it! In that case... I think I need an advice. You, as his fellow level 0 and a gentleman too, should have a greater knowledge of his desires than someone clueless in ways of those outside School Garden such as myself. So please, teach me what I need to know to give him a great gift"
This ojou-sama was ready to put work into her present, but also sensible enough to admit her lack of experience and seek guidance from another.
She told Hamazura Shiage about what she wanted to give and what she hoped for the results.
Hamazura nodded, smiling sagely.
"So, if I am understanding correctly, you want to actively do something for him, something that would showcase your abilities and prowess, but also allow you to be perceived as cute and charming? Is that the picture I am supposed to be getting?"
Awatsuki nodded. Rather meekly at that.
"Hamazura..."
"Do not interfere Takitsubo. This is my duty as a fellow man and as boss's bro. I will bestow upon you, Awatsuki-san, the wisdom needed for you to realize both his and your desires. What men would want in condition you described may be..."
He then started talking.
And as he spoke, Awatsuki Maaya's face got redder and redder, starting from her ears.
(SOME TIME LATER, ENTRANCE TO THE SEVENTH MIST)
Kongou Mitsuko paced in front of the entrance to the mall, requesting a meet up with her friends.
"Speaking of friends, I wonder how are Misaka and Shokuhou-san doing?"
(ELSEWHERE)
"I can't decide! What would he like more?"
"Onee-sama... I can't believe that I am saying this for the benefit of that guy, but... are you really sure that you want all of your gifts so far to have something to do with Gekota? Sure, those sets can be useful for him, but one day, you may die inside thinking back about it..."
"B-Be quiet Kuroko! Gekota is endless fun for all ages, so I am sure it will not be a problem at all!"
(ELSEWHERE)
"My queen, those are wonderful selections."
"Thank you. Now that he is remembering me, I can put out some big guns, as uncouth may say. I take it that you have both of your presents?"
"Indeed, my queen. Both Kamijou-san and my fellow student recipient should be most pleased. Or at least that's what I am hoping for. So if we have a bit of time, can we..."
"Junko-san, have mercy ability. If we go to Gekota Merchandise Store one more time, I am afraid I will start croaking and making other frog noises as well from just standing there."
(BACK WITH KONGOU)
Kongou felt the arrival of Wannai before she could actually see her, but not due some extra sensory perception or anything like that.
A very sharp and fresh smell entered her nose, making her flinch and cough. From what the raven haired ojou-sama could tell, it was supposed to resemble the smell of the sea, but it was strangely amplified and carried the completely unneeded addition of chlorine that made it smell as a mixture of ocean and regular pool.
Waving the fan around didn't help. The fragrance was strong enough to stay around and bothersome enough to earn a sneeze from Mitsuko.
"Achoo!"
After Kongou sneezed, she finally saw her friend and then almost died on the spot from shock.
Fearing rather possible outcome of sneezing again right after opening her mouth to ask questions, Kongou Mitsuko pinched her own nose and asked in a concerned tone, contrasted with a rather comical, nasal voice.
"What on earth happened to you?"
Wannai had puffy, bloodshot eyes, and there was a thin trail of blood on her face. It didn't take a detective to see that she was the source of the supremely strong cologne scent.
"Hello, Kongou-san" she spoke as if having a cold" I had a small accident... and also my gift idea was a dead end"
Wannai stifled a couple sneezes of her own and then sighed miserably.
"I got splashed with worst possible scent. I could take away the liquid, but it remained on me.
"A-And the blood?"
"Another bottle fell down and broke. Don't worry, it only grazed me lightly"
"Perfume stores are truly more dangerous place then I remembered" Kongou muttered with a serious face. "Oh, Awatsuki-san! You... wait, why do you look like you are overheating?"
Awatsuki was swaying from one side to the other, with face so red that Kongou wouldn't be surprised if she was cooking alive. She was so out of it and in her own fantasies that she did not seem even remotely bothered by the suffocating smell of cologne, or the fact that for some reason unknown to Kongou, there was a trail of blood dripping from one of her nostrils.
Kongou thought for a moment, trying to process the situation, before shaking her head and speaking to her friends.
"We are getting to the private, hotel bath to get ourselves back to shape and discuss the plan I just formed in my head. Come, I need your help!"
"Choo!" Wannai punctuated her agreement with a dainty sneeze.
Awatsuki nodded absentmindedly, when Kongou took their hands and dragged them outside.
(2 HOURS LATER)
The bath was just what they needed to get Wannai out of allergic hell by washing away the scent and get Awatsuki to snap out to reality. Kongou was rather curious what got her so flustered in the first place, but felt like explaining her plan came first.
She told her friends that the key factor to Kamijou Touma's gift should be people around him. Since he often saved them, Kongou knew he considered them important part of his life. After time of getting to know him better, she could say that this compassion towards people regardless of their standing, power, or name, equalled only by his similarly indiscriminate intolerance for injustice and suffering, was what make her fall for him to extent of wanting to becoming his partner.
To the point, the gift should address this connection Kamijou Touma had with others, the connection he often fought so hard to maintain. But what could it be?
Then both Wannai and Awatsuki both made their suggestions. After discussion, they finally agreed on what to do.
One thing was crystal clear now. Although each of them will organize their own gift, they will all be a part of the bigger whole. They would each present their unique part to the boy they admired, but they will achieve it in the way in which they worked best: as a team.
Kongou recalled the moment in which Wannai and Awatsuki made her realize that in truth, she never needed to establish the clique in Tokiwadai Middle School to get what she wanted: a genuine friendship. Even though Kongou could have easily be seen as a figurehead of their trio, it was in fact Wannai and Awatsuki that chose to include her in their pre-existing friendship. They were friends ever since that day and Kongou was thankful for it in each moment.
They exited the hotel that they used just for the emergency bath and made their way through the town. Snow creaked under their feet and wind howled above them.
Their destination was a person that could provide them with more or less comprehensive list of people close or connected to Kamijou Touma. For now, they were heading forward to his apartment, hoping to get help from one of Touma's housemates.
The wind howled even louder.
"It seems like the snowfall is getting heavier" Awatsuki remarked.
She was correct. It seemed like the quantity of the snowflakes increased compared to the time in which they entered the hotel to bathe.
"We should hurry. We don't want to be caught here if it gets too hazardous" Wannai clapped her hands in warm gloves, looking at the sky.
Kongou exhaled a cloud of white from her parted lips, and was about to quicken her pace, before something at the edge of her vision caught her attention.
There, in the shadow of the alley, a girl was forcibly kissing a guy, who obviously did everything he could to free himself. However, it seemed that the kisser was stronger, or maybe it was due to the fact that the boy was taken by surprise, and she did not react until Kongou called to her.
"Hey! What do you think you are doing?"
Kamijou Touma and Kongou Mitsuko easily came from different worlds. She was rich, he was poor. He, at least at first glance, was mere level 0, she was an accomplished level 4. Their mannerisms, hobbies, and circumstances were different more often than not.
But there were unmistakable and often underrated similarities too.
Before she knew it, Kongou was already running forward.
The oppressing girl noticed her and let the young man go, dashing away while cursing loudly.
"Wannai-san! Awatsuki-san! Check on him, I am going after her!"
Both Kamijou Touma and Kongou Mitsuko had the tendency to get involved in incidents. They were both driven by pursuit of indiscriminate justice. Both had great loyalty and warmth for their friends and would do everything to protect them, going out of their way to ensure the safety and smiles of those they cherished even if there was little to no practical reason or gain.
In situations like this one, they would both step forward to protect someone with no question asked.
"Hey, you. Who do you think you are to abuse the magic spirit of Christmas night in front of Kongou Mitsuko of Tokiwadai? Thou actions will not go unpunished. I shall not look away when the act of villainy is performed in front of my eyes" Kongou screamed at the running girl" Stop right there, criminal! Kongou Mitsuko has spoken!"
The girl, naturally, did not stop. In fact, she gained some distance until she disappeared from her sight.
Kongou was starting to worry that she will lose the girl. After a moment, she too went around the corner...
And saw a sight that she didn't want to believe.
But it seemed fate was on her side tonight.
She recognized the spiky hair and winter uniform of the boy who was running from the opposite side of the alley.
With flushed face and smile dancing on her lips, Kongou Mitsuko inhaled deeply and shouted:
"DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARLIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIING!"
Kamijou Touma moved his eyes upward and noticed her.
"Mitsuko-san!"
Kongou had no idea why he was here or if he too started to pursue the girl, but she knew he could help her stop her.
The list of things Touma and Mitsuko were similar with were their abilities. At least in their base forms, they were both contact powers. But through their time together, Kongou and Kamijou devised one particularly efficient technique when they were both present on the scene.
The girl froze and wanted to turn away, but Kongou already covered the distance and managed to land her hand on the belly of still turning girl.
Kongou Mitsuko's ability, Aero Hand, allowed her to create ejection points of highly-pressurized air that could be used as propulsion force. She could create over 8000 points on any surface at once and remotely control their activation.
The powerful gust of wind burst out, sending the girl flying... straight onto ready Kamijou Touma.
He did not execute his entire punch, only half of it. But he had no need to. The girl practically flew into his fist, and being stuck between two vectors, of punch and wind gust, caused her consciousness to blow away like a candle.
The girl awoke few minutes later, with Kamijou Touma pinning her to the ground and Kongou looking at her with fan in her hand.
"Look, you better explain what you were doing with that gentleman. And... darling, it is lovely to have you here... but..."
"Why am I here?" Touma guessed her question" Well, I was cooking with Rikuri back home when Komoe-sensei phoned to request a help for a charity work. I was on the way, when this girl stopped me under the excuse of both of us standing on bus stop with mistletoe on it, invited me for a kiss..."
Ladies did not get jealous. Ladies did not get jealous. Ladies did not get jealous...
Kongou felt her grip on her fan tighten.
"Go on" she said simply.
For some reason, it was Kamijou Touma who shivered under the eyes of the airline heiress, despite not looking at them directly.
"But before she did so, she embraced me and stole my wallet. I went looking for her, but she managed to lose me. I kept looking, but with no success. That is until I found you chasing her too"
"Well, what do you have to say for yourself?" Kongou inquired.
The girl was silent. And then, she burst into tears.
Kongou and Touma were taken aback by this reaction.
The girl searched for something in her pocket before angrily throwing the wallet at Touma.
"Take it! I won't need it anyway after what you did. My nose is surely broken. Don't you feel ashamed, ruining maiden's face?"
"If I am being honest... not really." He then touched the bridge of girl's nose gingerly" And I am equally sure it is not broken. It's just bloodshot"
"Same result, I look hideous and it was all for nothing!"
If not for the situation, Kongou would have laughed at the face of the girl, who didn't know how Kamijou fought.
But this was serious.
"But... I think we don't have a full picture. Why don't you stole it if you won't be needing it anymore? What do you mean with 'all is for nothing'? "
The girl sniffed, before tearfully explaining.
"I was... dumped earlier today. My boyfriend cheated on me and went for another girl because apparently I bored him... I wanted to win him back..."
"Does this has something to do with you kissing that guy and stealing Touma's wallet?"
"I... I am poor. A level 0 with low-income family... but I... wanted so badly to make him go back..." by this point, the girl was practically choking in tears" I needed money, so I used my charm and mistletoe to have enough for a dinner in fancy restaurant, or a nice dress... anything... just so... he would look my way again..."
"But..." Kongou tried to say what was on her mind in the most diplomatic way she could" He sounds like a true scumbag. Why on earth would you want him back?"
"I-I know it sounds stupid... and I know everything I did was wrong..." the girl admitted in the broken tone" But he was my first and only boyfriend... in fact, the only guy who would look at me... I never had friends, so I wanted to... keep that one relationship... I didn't want to believe, I couldn't believe..."
Wannai and Awatsuki, panting and catching their breaths, chose this moment to arrive at the scene, looking at three peopl in front of them with questioning eyes.
Touma and Kongou exchanged glances.
Without words, they came to an agreement.
The way in which that girl was trying to solve her problem was undeniably wrong.
But to some extent, Kamijou Touma could empathize with challenges of poverty. And Kongou Mitsuko, in her own way, could understand what desire for friendship and aversion to loneliness could do with a person.
But more than that, there was one other reason for this unspoken agreement...
The surprised girl suddenly felt both boy and a girl lifting her up.
"Wha-"
"I know a nice place nearby where you can get some hot cocoa. If we hurry, we can make it before the holiday early closing" Touma pointed to the end of the alley.
"And I will cover all the necessary expenses. Please, let's get you to warmth" Kongou added.
The snivelling girl looked at them with a clueless sight.
"I don't understand. I tried to rob you"
"True, true. And you are still getting a lecture. But hearing what you just said makes it different. I can't feel as angry as I did before"
"Besides, it's Christmas. I for one will not leave you crying in the snow" Kongou smiled, helping the girl walk.
(LATER ON...)
They made it and all 5 got the cocoa to drink. Fortunately, in alignment with Touma's prediction, girl's nose wasn't broken, just red and slightly bruised after the hit. Touma suggested for the girl to go to a certain District 7's hospital to get treated if I it was to get any worse.
Despite the girl's misdeeds, they felt good when she left happy and warm, after crying her heart out on the arm of unsuspecting Wannai, who went along and caressed her head.
"Well, that was something. I hope she will be okay" Touma muttered, before looking at three ojou-samas sitting in a row with aromatic cups filled with cocoa goodness.
"I didn't expect to see you three here. How are you doing?"
"Fine, thank you." answered Awatsuki, with Wannai nodding by her side" It's good to see you again. Where are you heading now, Kamijou-san?"
"To the elementary school dormitory in District 13. Apparently, there is an event there and I was asked to deliver presents to children as Santa. Even though I am not sure if I can pass as one. Maybe in terms of mentality, this Kamijou has instincts of old man sometimes... "
"We can go with you" Kongou blurted out.
Wannai and Awatsuki looked at her in surprise. After all, if they stayed with Touma, they would not be able to work on the present for him without him learning about it. Wasn't it a waste of time?
But Kongou had a twinge of intuition. A gut feeling of sorts. She was the daughter of one of the most financially successful men in Japan, who rose to the top not only through hard work, but also through relying on his own insight and intuition. Thus, Kongou learned not to ignore such things, even if they seemed like something out of occultist book.
She knew it seemed contradictory with their shared intentions, but this was not merely about spending a little bit more time with the man they all liked. She felt that if they followed him, something good could come for their gift too.
After all, they were looking for someone who could tell them about Kamijou Touma's relationship and connections. And who better to do it than the man in question? If they were cautious and didn't reveal that they were working on the gift for him, they could benefit from spending time with him by observing him and talking with him. It was as much and just that.
"Well... I think together we can do more than I can do on my own" Touma finally answered with a smile" And if you don't have anything else to do"
Well, they were about to break the curfew, but all three of them agreed that in this case, the end justified the means.
And so, they set to District 13. They focused on warmth that hot cocoa left in their body and on the occasional conversations.
"Wannai-san, I am curious about this ever since the beginning of the winter." Touma motioned at the multiple snowflakes falling around them" Can you control snow too?"
Wannai was happy to answer by demonstration, as the pile of snow suddenly scattered in all directions.
"I can, to an extent. This control is much less precise, compared to that of a liquid water"
"Why is that?"
"It's something about predisposition of my AIM field. Usually, people that can control a certain substance have talent and predisposition for one particular state of matter" Wannai explained with a gentle tone" When I have control over liquid water, I can freely manipulate its shape and direction, divide and unify it, even out of my line of sight. With snow, I can only gather or scatter it, at least for now."
"So I guess Hydro Hand users can't alternate between states of water?"
"No, it is possible, although I never witnessed it myself. I certainly cannot do it on my level of ability. I suppose changing liquid water to vapour or ice is a level 5 worthy feat. Alongside... controlling the water in another body" Wannai muttered and shivered from the reason unrelated to cold.
Putting the disturbing usage of the level 5 equivalent of her ability aside, Wannai mused on the fact that she very much liked answering Touma's questions. The boy had the strangest mixture of ignorance regarding things that seemed most basic in esper development and flashes of almost genius insight regarding very deep, metaphysical questions about human existence. Wannai Kinuho found this characteristic to be rather adorable.
Meanwhile, Kongou was eyeing the rather quiet Awatsuki, who stole glances at Touma, her cheeks flushing a little bit as she did, before the blush faded away. She seemed rather shy and that was usually Wannai's trait.
Kongou did not have to think about it for very long to know that her friend's behaviour was somehow connected to whatever caused her to be so flustered at Seventh Mist.
Suspicious, suspicious indeed. Or rather, Kongou's curiosity could not be higher.
And speaking of curiosity, she wondered what exactly was her plan after the Christmas time. She would probably visit her family. Her father and mother already phoned her and...
Kongou suddenly stopped.
"Kongou-san? Is everything alright?" Wannai asked.
After noticing Touma's concerned eyes, Kongou quickly nodded.
"Yes, yes, I am sorry. Everything is alright, let's get going!"
She said so...
But inwardly, she actually was so excited that she could giddily prance around, if not for the fact that Touma was around.
She could use this opportunity to introduce the boy she fell in love with to her father!
She knew that some difficulties could arise. It would surely be somewhat of a stress to Touma, and she knew as benevolent and good-hearted as her father could be, he was still rather protective of her. She was his only child, long awaited at that. She had no doubt Touma would do his best, but what exactly would her father think of him, she could not fathom. It was a great thing that her mother already approved... not, even adored Touma in her own right. Which could cause its own set of problems if one were to think about it a bit but it was still better than hating or ignoring...
She put those thoughts on hold, returning her attention to the conversation between Touma and Wannai. Right now, the boy was describing the atmosphere of his place as of late.
"Amazora keeps eating all of our gingerbread and Kaibi keeps getting angry at her for that, together with Index... mostly because they like sweets and would like to eat it too. Rikuri designed most beautiful Christmas lights, and Maidono helped put it all around the apartment. You should have seen it. When I was living in my previous, original place, I had neither resources or energy to make the place look that nice! And since it's the very first proper Christmas for Hasako in over 7 decades, we want to give her some good time as well. Kaibi should be out and about to pick up Amazora. I felt a bit bad for leaving... to be honest, the thought that I left Kaai and Youen alone in the kitchen feels terrible enough... but at least Hasako is there to watch over them and Rikuri. Let's hope they will not poison someone... again... because the last time it happen, me and Yakumaru had to-"
He paused, as if listening to something in the distance.
"Do you hear that?"
"The weather is surely getting more unstable" Awatsuki said, looking at the storm clouds, barely visible against the dark sky" There was a weather forecast, but I would never suspect anything really serious."
"Not to mention, it's too early. The change in the weather was supposed to come much later during the night" Wannai commented, her puffy hair fluttering on the wind from under Christmas hat she purchased.
"Whatever comes, can come. I am Tokiwadai's Goddess of the Wind. Some breeze cannot possibly do anything-"
But Kongou never finished her boast.
In the next moment, Touma stiffened and screamed.
"Duck!"
Instinctively, three girls braced themselves as Touma got them closer to him with his arms and then fell to the ground.
In the next second, a roar of wind almost caused Kongou to stop hearing anything else around her. White danced in front of them and they were consumed by wave of snowflakes.
If they remained standing, this wall of wind, that was most likely the front of the change in atmospheric pressure, would knock them of their feet. Now, Touma slowly blinked and check for the girls under him.
"Everyone okay?"
"Y-Yes" Awatsuki shook off snow from her head" Everything is fine"
"Thank you very much" Wannai wasn't far behind.
"We owe you one, darling" Kongou finished, looking up.
Separating from the warmth of Kamijou Touma was the last thing in the world she desired right now, but she forced herself to do so as she and remaining three got up.
The street changed momentarily. Snow started to gather already, even though increased snowfall was only happening for 3 minutes or so.
Academy City, or at least this part of it, seemed to be swallowed by a very potent snowstorm.
It could very well complicate their plans in their march towards District 13.
But Kongou Mitsuko was a maiden in love, on the mission and search for a Christmas gift, and so was Wannai Kinuho and Awatsuki Maaya. The snowstorm of white swirled around, as if challenging them.
And to answer that challenge, they all made a step forward.
"Let's go!"
(TO BE CONTINUED)
WILL TOUMA AND THE GIRLS MAKE IT THROUGH THE UNEXPECTED SNOWSTORM? WHAT KIND OF REVELATIONS WILL GO TO THE SURFACE WHEN IT COMES TO THEIR RELATIONSHIPS? WHAT FORM WILL EACH OF KAMIJOU TOUMA'S GIFTS TAKE? WHAT IS AWATSUKI HIDING? WILL MISTLETOE FUFILL ITS MAGIC ON CHRISTMAS EVE FOR THOSE THREE GIRLS? READ MORE TO FIND OUT
I wanted to publish it on 24th, well, I got a bit late. I hope I can remaining chapters all within next 2-3 weeks. I hope you liked this first one.
I hope you had a great Christmas Eve yourselves. I wish you the most magical, happy, and peaceful Christmas and Winter Holiday period. Thank you very much for being a part of my writing journey, whether here or with Painted Prison Chronicles. I really appreciate it.
See you soon!