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!

21. Chapter 21

PAINTED PRISON CHRONICLES

CHAPTER 21

INTERLUDE VI: INDEX HOMECOMING AND THE DIVINE PRESQUE VU

Hello everyone! I managed to write this faster than anticipated, despite how much I am tasked with my studies. But the problem with inspiration is that is very hard to ignore it and save it for later. We have varied chapter. As is the case with earlier interludes, the sisters are more of an overall lining than a main focus, but this particular chapter has quite a few scenes. One of them is titular return of Index. Another, rather prominent, is last greater plot element to be introduced before story begins to take turn towards its conclusion. This particular element is one particular thing I truly wanted to write ever since I started to read Toaru fanfics. While it will still take a lot of time to get there, the stage is more or less set. But more on this in afterword on the bottom.

So yes, this chapter shows quite a few things and it was an interesting experience to write it. Through Touma, Index, Othinus, the sisters, but also other characters, it will give a lot to think about.

Also, side notice, the number of views in chapter 19 (Rikuri II) is still half as high as in the others given how much time has passed. Given, this is because my strategically stupid decision to do a double drop, so many people missed this chapter, but if you didn't read it, please do so. It has one of the finest Rikuri moments. Saying just in case.

There is much to read and experience, and quite a bit of afterword too, so I won't be making this too long.

DJAA: I am very glad you found and enjoyed this story so far. When it comes to Mugino, I may consider it. I initially wanted to write about Mugino, but coincidentally, many fanfics of Touma x Mugino started to appear at the same time so I chose otherwise.

5had0wHand: It's actually Aya (I purposely kept the name different from Mitsuari's). And you are right, the situation really is similar.

Sudden Betrayal: I am very happy about your praise. As for the grammar, I try to improve and the usual mistakes come from my writer drive in which I may make typos or such. I do have C1 language certificate, but I admit, there are few differences that may cause mistakes. For example, my language lacks articles and the very idea of present perfect and past perfect, we just use our equivalents of past simple and past continues for events that already happened. But I am glad you notice the improvement.

Joshua: I noticed your praises. I am deeply touched and thank you for them. Hasako and Maidono's friendship is also one of the most wholesome fragments of the story for me.

I will answer more questions tomorrow.

Without delay, let's begin!

In the heavily guarded prison, Accelerator and Hasako faced the blond woman in a beige habit.

"I-It's you... how did you get here?!" Hasako cried out, but Accelerator raised his hand, which caused the girl to quiet down.

"From what you said earlier... Aleister? The fuck are you doing, strolling around in the body of that demonic bitch?"

"Oi, watch it. Even if Coronzon was a major bitch, she had... and still has... a great body. You wouldn't imagine how fascinating are those things. I miss my supreme staff of carnal desire though"

"I didn't ask, didn't want to know either..." Accelerator groaned, before looking at Hasako" Oi, grandma-child? You okay?"

Hasako got paled and trembled, looking at Aleister in Coronzon's body, who looked back at her with small smile on her face.

"As I said... you surely grown"

"Aleister... is that really you? But... how?"

"Oh, it's a very convoluted story. After a grave battle, I made a little switcheroo with my enemy and hijacked her body. It could be little misleading, I admit, but isn't it great?"

"If you are really him... then... what were the first words you said when I was first presented to you?"

Aleister's smiled grew wider.

" I said 'This is a new beginning, bright new rising star transcending all the rules that shackled me before'. Quite nostalgic, isn't it?"

"Somehow... it really is you..." the girl muttered, lowering her head.

Silence stretched across the room, although Aleister spoke once again

"Huh... that wasn't actually so..."

The change came instantly. The room's walls covered in hoarfrost, and everything on the side of the visitors' side, excluding Hasako, froze to the knee level of ice.

Aleister appeared more curious than scared when Hasako slowly walked across the room towards him/her.

"7 decades... 70 long years! Do you know how much I suffered?! How scared and lost I was?! You abandoned me! The only thing I felt was cold, which by the way was hundred times worse than my own arctic environment. Because it permeated every cell of my being. Even if I wasn't conscious in proper way of using that term, my brain was going haywire, trying so hard to stay alive and sane. I was broken. You broke me, Aleister. The man I trusted, the man I considered support and guidance. I confided in you, I respected you! You cannot imagine what it was like back then! If not for the care of others from this time, I wouldn't even have an inkling of chance to come back to my old self. And now, when I see you alive after all those years..."

The environment changed again and the prison floor cracked, pulsing with heat, as temperature rose again.

Hasako's eyes didn't stray from Aleister as she rose her hand. She roared but just when lava erupted from the floor...

The glass was shattered with ease. With a vibrant sound, the lava wave was deflected, scattering all over the place, yet not hitting the three people gathered. At the same time, Hasako looked below to see Accelerator smirking at her while holding her arm.

"Look, it's not like I care all that much what happens with that old, body-swapping prick. But don't fight right on my doorstep. If you can't keep a god damn composure, get the hell out! This prison can barely contain me and it was a pain in the ass to oversee construction of my cell. So don't go blasting your power all over the place."

There was a noise from the outside and Anti-Skill officers came running to the space when entrance once was.

"There was a breaching alarm and... woah! What the hell-"

"This is a private affair. I didn't go out because I wanted and it's not like I am going anywhere, so piss off for now!" Accelerator snarled back at them.

He tapped his foot on the ground and with small rumbling, earth spikes came from beyond the floor, blocking the passageway.

He turned his attention back at Hasako

"Now, if I beat that pretty face of yours black and blue, I wouldn't hear the end of it from hero. I also tolerated you in the city and I had no reason to change that policy But if you act up, I assure you that I will crush you"

"Oh?! Are you sure you would like to challenge me? No one ever dared to do this before"

"You never met me before, actually. Times changed and so did the strongest"

The boy and the girl stared at each other. Unknown to the other, each was assessing the situation if the conflict actually came to pass. Given right preparations, Hasako's abilities were nigh-limitless powerhouse of raw natural force. Yet Accelerator's vector manipulation was on another level altogether, both offensively and defensively, especially since he touched magic. However, even if he got the advantage, Beginning Child had few tricks up her sleeve that could become a hindrance, like creating low-oxygen environments, regardless of her eventual, potential loss. Accelerator was sure of his abilities, but if they both went all out, the City, or maybe even Japan could not survive. That was just the level of scale those two esper monsters were dealing with right now.

Finally, Hasako sighed and environment in the room around them returned to normal.

"I am stopping right now, but not because I fear you. Rather, I would not be able to face the man I fell in love with if I betrayed the ideals that he believes in."

Accelerator let her go and Aleister raised an eyebrow

"Ho? That's something unex-... well, given this boy's influence, it could be somewhat expected honestly"

As Hasako approached the woman in beige habit, Aleister raised hands into the air.

"For the record... everything I said during our previous conversation is true. You may not believe it, but I came a long way since we last parted ways. However, I am also prepared for you to continue to hate me"

Hasako faced Aleister... before slapping the woman across the face. The founder of Academy City said nothing and didn't retaliate, as the girl whispered.

"It will take time... for those feelings to completely disappear. I don't know if we will ever be able to get back to what we had back then... but..."

She then bowed slightly before looking back at the blond woman.

"But from respect for Kamijou-san's values, I am willing to tolerate you and give you a chance, however small it might be."

"Great. Now that's settled... we might as well get some information going around." Accelerator sat back on the chair behind the hole in the glass "Although I assume that you wanted to talk about Aleister, this sudden development makes me interested in some things regarding two of you."

"To be honest, I am also very curious about you Accelerator-san. And my questions about Aleister still stand... no, there are probably more of them now..."

"And I will just enjoy this reunion! So many emotions!"

"SHUT UP! THERE WOULDN'T BE ANY PROBLEM AT ALL IF YOU DIDN'T SCREW WITH US IN THE FIRST PLACE!"

(AFTER THE THREE-WAY EXPLANATIONS...)

"So you hurt Accelerator-san as well?" Hasako sent deathly glare towards stoic Aleister. She gained explanation of his past, that was vague enough to conceal presence of magic for now, but enough to temporarily satisfy her.

"Tch, damn right he did. Making me a fucking centrepiece of a plan after dragging me through shitty hell of a childhood and having guts to look smug about it" Accelerator also glared at the magician.

"Well, I think we can all agree that all of us were through some forms of hell. It's not a competition" Aleister waved his hand" Come to think of it, both of you gained title of the strongest, suffered because of how powerful you were and were manipulated through my plan... you are very alike. Like spiritual brother and sister, separated through decades of history"

"Now, that's rich!" Accelerator laughed" We are nothing alike. We came from different times, look anything but similar, and there is vast difference between our exp... wait, why the hell are you sparkling and staring at me like that?!"

"It's just... it had to be awful" Hasako looked at him, with emotional gaze containing compassion and worry" It must be awful, to not have a family... I lost mine too"

"Don't look at me like that, it will make me sick. Besides, I found a family."

"Really?"

"Yeah. Two obnoxious women, one asshole of a girl, and very loud brat that loves to be everywhere and do everything... which is actually the best thing in this shitty world" Accelerator allowed himself to show a shadow of a smile "It's not unlike you, right?"

Faces of Touma, Kumokawa, Maidono, and others flashed before Hasako's eyes as she nodded.

"Yes. For the first time in a long, long time... I am not alone. I found home, someone who can help me navigate this world, a best girl friend, but most importantly, fell in love with someone."

"There you have it then"

"I am happy for your good luck too. But... you are like my overpowered, spiritual, non-blood related little brother on #1 spot. Can you call me 'onee-chan'?"

"I would rather die."

"That's exactly what a younger brother would say!"

"Fuck off"

"Can you call me 'mommy' then?" Aleister chimed in, but was met with vehement:

"NO!"

from both parties.

Hasako got up, looking at two of them.

"Extraordinary system of laws... Accelerator-san's fight with Kamijou... his power and circumstances... and the way both of you went on when I was sleeping... it's honestly a lot to take in and I think I will make the right call if I go and rest through with it. I will come back to find you again though"

"As long as you don't snap like today" Accelerator pointed at the devastated room.

"I think you are the last person who should lecture someone about destruction in anger" Aleister lazily pointed at the albino, who withstood his glare with dignity. "Oh, and Hasako-san. There is someone else I would like you to reunite with before you go. Accelerator, would you clear the way to let him through?"

#1 esper shrugged. With another tap of his foot, the earth spikes were shattered, revealing the exit once again... and in it, a figure of a dog. Not a regular dog, but the one smoking a cuban cigar.

"A dog? I don't understand... and why is he smoking-"

"Good evening, my dear" came a voice from synthesizer on dog's collar, causing Hasako to frantically jump backwards.

"It talks?"

"I identify by 'he'. I have to admit, you grew into a beautiful young woman with a strong sense of good romance. As for my speech, don't be so surprised. After all, you knew my masters, the 7 original Kiharas, almost as well as I did..."

The images of surgical table with straps, marks of dried blood, and people behind the glass windows watching her. They were the memories she didn't really want to recall, flooded Hasako's brain and she fought off the wave of nausea. Instead, she focused on the dog.

"There was a labrador puppy with them... Noukan-chan? But... that was decades ago... how are you still alive? What did they do to you?"

"It was so long since someone used 'chan' with my name... They improved me, so to speak. After you were put in cryostasis, they gave me human intelligence, ability to speak, and drastically increased my lifespan. Can't complain, really. As for my appearance today, I just thought it would be in spirit of a good romance to introduce myself. As you said, the last time you saw me was when I was merely a small puppy. So be not afraid, dear child"

"I see... that's truly a lot to take in... now, I even more feel the need to think this through in solitude. So, I bid you farewell then..."

Hasako took a few steps towards the exit, before clapping her hands and turning once again towards Aleister and Accelerator

"But before I go, one more crucial detail..."

Her multicoloured eyes became cold and once again, that invisible, unconsciously felt pressure of power descended upon the room. Although Hasako didn't move, her voice carried on with a hollow echo, as her hair fluttered around ever so slightly. That look and this much power in the air would make many weaker run away, but Accelerator and Aleister stood their grounds with ease.

"I have all the intentions to cooperate with you. However, if you think that you saw my most powerful, you would be foolish. Back then, I didn't have anyone around me, and now when I do, I am still ascending new heights. If something were to befall on Kamijou-san or my friends through your machinations, I assure you, that you won't like to risk a wrath of mere broken-hearted woman. The only reason I didn't raze this city to the ground when I got out was because of kindness Kamijou-san showed me, and later love I started to feel for him. Kumokawa-san taught me many valuable things and Maidono-san, despite how different we are, became my best friend. Not to mention Ayu-san who woke me up in the first place. Because of them and others, I can call this city home now. So don't take them from me. I am sure that as someone who found family after lifetime of loneliness you can understand this sentiment, Accelerator-san. I am not threatening you or anything like that. I am simply stating facts that needed to be said. There... good night to you both."

And with that, she was gone. Accelerator and Aleister exhaled, not knowing they were holding a breath. Accelerator let out a bark of laughter, as he leaned on the swivel chair.

"For delicate-looking ojou-sama, she is something else. Even though I am stronger than her... the hero surely got himself some badass bitches"

"Tell me about it. I forgot how intense she was when someone managed to anger her. Like a completely new person..."

"Hey, Aleister. What was with the standing act?" asked Noukan

"Hm?"

"You could easily avoid or deflect those attacks. Why did you let all of this play out?" Accelerator also enquired.

The woman also got up, dusting off her clothes.

"Well, for what it's worth, I didn't give her space to act up back then... consider giving her the opportunity to let all those emotions go a form of atonement, however small it may be"

"Sure... also, it's actually quite disturbing to think your pervy, 130 years old ass is within that body..."

"You know, if you can't get used to this female form, you can always call me daddy. I've been called that in many contexts and on many occasions during my Golden Dawn days..."

"Again, I didn't ask and certainly didn't want to know. And I am not calling you that, ever, period, done!"

(IN TOUMA + GOKUSAI APARTAMENT)

Before heading to bed, Kamijou Touma needed to make a phone call. He dialled an internal number to Church of Necessary Evil's phone desk. After 2 signals, it was picked up and the young female voice muttered:

"Hello, this is Necessarius HQ. If you don't know what that means, you phoned to the wrong place. If you do understand, please entertain me because it's so boring out here..."

Touma wasn't sure if he head correctly. But he still answered.

"That voice... Sozty?"

There was a crash on the other side of the line, as if the girl fell on her butt alongside the chair. After a few seconds, she responded, in a much more lively voice.

"हे भगवान [Oh God]! Kamijou, is that you?! Wow... it's good to hear you..."

"You surprised me, it's been so long... I didn't see you since the Agni Festival Fire and Brahma Astra incident" Touma said, equally shocked "What are you doing in Necessarius? I thought you and your sisters escaped"

He could almost imagine Sozty Exica, a middle-school Hindu magician who fought both against and alongside Touma, smile to herself as she kicked her feet on the table in the room on the other side of the world.

"We did escape, but your tall anglican friend, Stiyl, found us again. He took us by surprise. Quite frankly, he wanted to keep an eye on us after... well, Ureappady's Astra almost annihilated the planet."

"He did? That idiot, when I see him again, I will-"

"No, he was much more reasonable than before. He proposed for us to seek refuge with Anglicans and undertake works in the organization. I heard that a group of catholic nuns did same thing in the past. In truth, Stiyl wants to have eye on my sister. He didn't seem in a mood to really negotiate, so I kind of live in London now for most of the time. Sister didn't actually complain all that much, but I would like to be in Japan or India to be honest"

"Why? Did you meet someone nice in Japan?"

Loud coughing fit occurred on the other side of the line.

"M-Moshi Moshi? Sozty-san?!"

"That was... a biscuit. British made them really dry, you know..."

Touma didn't sense the flustered tone in her voice and carried on.

"So you are doing fine?"

"Yes, fine as we can be. Ureappady is out, somewhere, and usually gives me only fragments on what she is doing. But she is healthy and happy. Ever since that Brahma Astra incident, she got a lot better. She even talks about you, from time to time. I think you gave her new inspiration in life."

"I do my best..."

"As for me, I try to practice my own Astra, but usually, I am delegated to pick up phones. The beautiful girl in bloom of her age should not be confined to such boredom! And even if Stiyl lets us stay here, it's not like he is a beam of sunshine. I think he is still mad at me that I managed to burn him in that tunnel."

"Well, I know what you mean... maybe you should go on vacation then?"

"Vacation? Really?"

"Yeah, why not? If they had a problem with that, you could find someone to oversee you..."

"Like you?"

Touma blinked, surprised with the girl's inquiry.

"I guess... I could be someone like that. If you promise me that there would be no cosmic arrows, scorching fires, and cabal massacres involved, I am in."

"You are quite demanding! I just think that we can hang out. You know, normally, to spend time together and catch up. Our first meeting wasn't exactly friendly, but you helped me and my sister many times in short time we spent during that incident. I think Necessarius giving us a chance is also thanks to you."

"Don't exaggerate, I am not heroic or badass. I am a simple high schooler."

"I don't know, pinning girl to the wall and saying something along the lines of 'I will not allow you to die' was rather badass."

"Don't twist facts, I only did that because you were about to take your own life seconds earlier. Preceded by hell you caused by using your Hindu magic. It's a good thing that we ended up fighting for the same thing in the end."

"Well, it was pretty scorching hot situation... you can say I was all fired up."

"And now you're making puns about the fact that you almost died through Agni Astra? What's with that sense of humour..."

"As much as it is fun to talk with you like this, didn't you phone for some specific reason? This is international call that is going on your tab, I am afraid..."

"W-What... fukou da!" Touma wailed, as Sozty chuckled to herself" Well, I am phoning about Index's arrival. She still plans on arriving tomorrow? I would have called her directly, but she doesn't know how to use phones properly at times."

"Yes. From what I've heard, she is already preparing for it. She will be accompanied by Saint of Far East too, so expect company of two on the airport"

"Kanzaki is coming too? Well, thanks for the confirmation. I will be off then. Take care... you don't wear that ridiculously revealing sailor uniform regularly?"

"I-It wasn't ridiculous and it was only a disguise for that time! I was just a little bit misguided when it comes to your culture, that's all. Anyway, we have a deal! One time, I will come for a vacation and visit. I will normally don't follow ethnical stereotypes, but I am ready to demonstrate you how my mother's super special curry recipe can beat your japanese version"

"I never cooked a curry from India. Can you teach me?"

"You bet! Oh, and Kamijou! It didn't occur me back then but there is something I need to say to you. Something that I took from our time together and how you helped me so much in such a short time, not allowing me or my sister to die."

"You want to say something? What is-"

"मैं आपको बहुत पसंद करता हूं

[I like you very much]"

There was silence.

"Sozty-san, don't toy with me! We both know I don't speak Hindi! What does this mean?"

"I might just tell you one day... or change it a little bit, who knows..." the girl answered with a new giggle. And with that, she ended the call.

"Honestly... how to understand women, that's the real mystery of the universe... and even when they aren't speaking in foreign languages..." said the misfortunate boy, marching to bed.

(NEXT DAY)

New day was rising in Academy City. Many people welcomed it in different ways.

Sogiita Gunha cheerfully set out to the morning patrol combined with jogging.

Shokuhou Misaki mumbled sleepily before losing her balance and falling out of bed with an angry yelp.

Misaka Mikoto was engaged in electrocuting Shirai Kuroko, who managed to sneak into the bed during the night.

Mugino Shizuri walked up into the room with all of her ITEM teammates present and picked up her usual salmon set before sitting down with the rest.

"Morning"

"Hi Mugin... oh?! What... what happened to you?!"

"What the fuck do you mean with 'what happened'? I am going to eat breakfast!"

"No, I mean your face and..."

"Is there something wrong with my face, Hamazura?!"

"N-No, just... did you sleep well last night?"

What Hamazura meant was the fact that although Mugino always took time to comb her long, tea coloured hair, this was apparently not the case today. Instead of usual silky smoothness, Meltdowner sported impressive bed hair, combined with slight bags under her eyes. It wasn't all that much, but ITEM leader usually emanated a model-level of beauty and something before their eyes just didn't seem normal.

"Mugino... does this have something to do with the fact that Kamijou was busy again?"

Mugino took a sip of coffee, before snarling back

"Maybe. Or maybe not."

"Or the fact that when you saw him with Kongou-san, I had to throw plates for you to shoot meltdowner at. Or the fact that you bought books about dating recently. Or..."

"Get to the fucking point" Mugino muttered, beginning to cut her salmon into pieces.

"Mugino, I just want to say that..." Hamazura gulped, looking at Takitsubo" if you need to talk with us... we are here for you."

"Talk? Why would I need that?" Mugino asked her elegant eyebrow, not turning away from the salmon.

"Well, since we are in a fulfilled relationship, but circled around it for quite a while... we thought that we may be able to relate... and help you in your own problem..."

Mugino stopped cutting... slowly looked at him... and then burst out laughing.

"You? Help me?! I think you got something backwards, Hamazura! I don't need help, especially in romantic life. I am THE Mugino Shizuri and I can have any man of this city if I damn wanted to. Kamijou just needs to stop being an idiot and face reality. I just need him to know the food chain, it's just that. I am far superior, so I certainly do not care that others spend time with him. Our lives are our own, so date them, sleep with them, marry them, I don't fricking care! You hear me?! I don't care, so I certainly don't need any bloody consulting!"

SCREECH! Mugino stopped when she noticed that in her outburst she started to cut through the plate itself.

"Tch, you know what, I lost appetite. I will go shower first"

"Mugino, wait..."

But the older girl already got up and walked into the bathroom, slamming doors with a loud bang.

"I swear, she is so stubborn when it comes to this... it also increases life threatening atmosphere around here" Kinuhata muttered, taking a bite of her toast.

"They say love is similar to grief in some cases... you know, the 5 phases..." said Takitsubo.

When Hamazura thought about it, his girlfriend's comparison was not all that abstract.

Mugino was always the one with tendency for mood swings, but recently they got really varied. Sometimes, she was in a very good mood, maiden-like even. She put extra attention to her looks, bought new clothes, cooked, hummed to herself, and took ITEM to eat in a fancy restaurant. Other times, she was so agitated and angry, that even a small itch on her own skin could cause an outburst of anger, combined with beams shooting in every direction. During that, it was best to be as far away as possible.

Many times, Mugino denied her new feelings, although not exactly in a tsundere-like fashion. There was aforementioned anger. Other times, she was muttering to herself, as if trying to rationalize her own emotions. She also had lapses of more apathetic mood, during which she laid down with a flower in her hand, peeling off the petals (although she used phrases 'kill' or 'not kill' instead of 'love' and 'don't love'. As far as Hamazura understood, in some twisted fashion, 'not kill' equalled 'love'). Finally, she just sought Kamijou through the town.

"I think the problem is..." Takitsubo continued, contributing a lot more than she usually did" Mugino is really prideful and also... not used to sharing anything with anyone."

"Yeah, she usually just takes what she wants" Kinuhata agreed with AIM Stalker.

"So, if I get it right... Mugino is pissed because Kamijou shares his attention with other girls, while Mugino would like that attention on her... but on the other hand, she is interested too much in him to risk him not wanting to be around her anymore if she did something to other girls. It's a little bit of a stalemate for her honestly. Either she accepts this or she will be stuck in this loop of frustration" Hamazura concluded, looking at the bathroom door.

Under stream of water, with her hair wet and smooth skin steaming slightly, Mugino punched the shower's wall with the side of her fist, while she looked down, her cheeks slightly red.

"Damn it, Kamijou" she muttered through gritted teeth" What the hell did you do to me?"

(MEANWHILE IN TOKIWADAI)

"Good morning, Wannai-san"

"Likewise, Kongou-san"

Two girls greeted each other as they sat down to the morning tea.

"Where is Awatsuki-san?"

"She is charged with cleaning the pool, I am afraid"

"I suppose nothing can be done about that..."

Wannai glanced at Kongou, who was watching the morning sky with a small smile on her lips.

"It's almost time. For Kamijou-san's roommate to land, isn't it?"

"It is indeed. I am so glad that darling spoke to me. I was more than happy to get his friends first class tickets"

"Kongou-san... you really love him, don't you?" Wannai asked, and Kongou looked at her questioningly.

"What brought this about right now?"

"It's just... few things became clear to me. In that moment in the restaurant, you wanted to pay for Kamijou-san, didn't you? But he wanted to hear the price and mustered whatever pride he had, even if he knew that he couldn't pay up. That aside, you pay for him when you spend time together, right? And also... I am curious about our gift. The very idea of it was rather daring... and I can't deny that I was a bit embarrassed. But you went through without any hesitation"

Kongou put her teacup down, before addressing her friend

"When it comes to money, I have more than enough funds to spend on both of us. If he ever establishes himself financially, we can think of sharing, but for now, I am more than happy to pay. This time in the restaurant was actually his insistence, probably to cover my image in front of the eyes of my friends. My silly darling... what sort of future betrothed would I be if I didn't spoil him at least a little? And as for the photobook... as a model, I don't shy away from using my body to my advantage. Besides..."

Kongou blushed a little, cupping her cheeks in her hands.

"... whatever he saw there, will only be amplified as I become an adult. So I only meant to give him a preview, a starter, before we will be able to... engage in a main course in more intimate, secluded setting..."

"K-Kongou-san!"

"I mean, it's... don't look at me like this, Wannai-san. I-It's not like I imagine it all that frequently!"

But she was fooling nobody there.

(AT ACADEMY CITY'S MAIN AIRPORT)

"Is this her?!"

"No"

"Maybe this person?"

"No!"

"Or maybe..."

"Amazora, from what I know, Kamijou's roommate still has to pick up her luggage. I swear, if you ask that question one more time, I will gag you!"

Kaibi sighed and looked at Touma who stood by her side, with transparent "INDEX" and Othinus in his pocket.

"I am sorry for Amazora. She got really excited today."

"No, that's alright. I am happy that she is looking forward to meeting Index. If anything, I am more nervous one here. Oh, and sorry about dragging you here so early"

Kaibi waved her hand.

"What are you talking about? Meeting your roommate is important for us as well. And this is not early for me... although I know someone who would sleep longer because she overworked herself last night..."

She then pinched Rikuri's half-bare thigh, which caused the half-asleep girl to jump slightly and exclaim:

"Ah! Touma, not here..."

Before looking around and coughing loudly

"I mean... I am not asleep, sister!"

"Thanks. I just... worry about how it will go down. I am not sure how Index will react..."

"Listen to me" Kaibi gently placed hand on boy's shoulder, smoothly moving it up and down" It was not the easiest thing for me when we began living together. But we came rather far, if I can say so myself. So calm down. Whatever happens, I got your back"

Touma exhaled and smiled to the middle sister.

"Thank you Kaibi-san, I really appr-"

HOOOOOOOOOOONK!

Kaibi and Touma almost leapt into each other's arms and Rikuri, who was slowly getting back to her passive napping state, jumped once again, twice as high as before.

They turned around to find Amazora looking very proud of herself.

"Amazora, what the hell was that?!"

"An air horn! I took one in case Index-san got lost and couldn't find us!"

"My Measure Heart would be useless if my own heart gets cardiac arrest because of your ideas! How about I stretch your skin on the cheeks so much that you will look like a bulldog?!"

Nooooo! Mershi! Merchiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!"

"Hey, it's them. That's Index and Kanzaki!"

And there they were. Index, in her regular Walking Church remnants and with Kanzaki Kaori by her side, was looking around for them until their eyes finally met.

"Touuuumaaaaaaaaa!"

But then her scream came to a sudden halt.

"Toum- oh?!"

Index's joy when she finally saw Touma and started to run to him was interrupted when she noticed three girls standing by his side.

Hesitation, unease, and anger all flashed through her face before it became neutral again.

Although Touma noticed the change in the girl's emotion, he still ran further and hugged Index tightly

"Touma... I missed you so much!" Index cried out with genuine joy as Touma spun her around.

"I missed you too. It's good to have you here."

"Hello nun." Othinus greeted Index, pushing herself up from the pocket" Welcome back"

After that, Index looked besides Touma and pointed at Gokusai sisters.

"Touma... I was half-expecting you to joke when we spoke through phone. But if they are here... those are..."

"Hi, I am Amazora! Onii-chan talked lots about you, so I was curious how are you like! Wow, you really wear bed sheets like a dress!"

"Amazora, this is a habit, not bed sheets" Kaibi flicked Amazora on the forehead, before introducing herself" I am Gokusai Kaibi. Those two are my sisters. Amazora introduced herself already, and this is Rikuri"

"Pleasure to meet you, sister-chan" Rikuri smiled gently at Index. However, her attention was more fixed on Kanzaki than the smaller nun most of the time.

"Touma... are they really..."

Touma and Kaibi looked at each other and nodded

"Index, I know this is a lot to take in. But through rather random and convoluted circumstances, we got reunited and ended up as roommates while our old dorm was being rebuilt. So I would like you to get along with them"

Index turned to the trio of blonds. After looking at Touma once again, who nodded in encouragement, she addressed the sisters

"My name is Index Librorum Prohibitorum. I live with Touma and we are very close"

That was it. Index wasn't rude and sounded very polite, but didn't add anything other than mere description. And she certainly didn't sound very excited about this new relationship development.

"How do you know Touma?"

"Well, we stumbled upon each other in the past" Kaibi explained" We had our differences... but ultimately, we learned to work as one team"

"You have a funny name." the walking dyplomatic bomb that was Amazora spoke to Index" What does it mean? My means 'rainy sky'"

"My name" Index said, puffing her chest proudly" refers to the list of prohibited books and grimoires, spanning from XVI century till today, containing works of knowledge far too dangerous for unprepared minds to obtain, resulting for them to be sealed within my mind!"

Sensing that the awkwardness of the conversation will soon skyrocket to high heavens, Touma cast a begging glance on Kanzaki. The swordswoman caught on and coughed to attract attention.

"And I am Kanzaki Kaori. I came here as Index's friend and to guard her on her journey. Although... I might add that seeing you here is a great addition to the experience, Kamijou"

"No, the pleasure is all mine. It's awesome to see you again, Kanzaki" Touma reincorporated the warmth of Kanzaki's greeting.

"I see... I am glad you think this way"

"I see that everyone arrived safely" spoke another voice behind them.

"Stiyl? When you got here?" Touma and Kanzaki were both surprised with fire magician's arrival.

Stiyl decided to ignore the question and motioned to Index.

"It's good to see you in good health. I will escort you home"

"Stiyl, there was really no need..." Touma tried to persuade something, but it was in vain, as Stiyl turned around and walked through the airport's main exit. He was soon followed by everyone else.

"So, you are that famous Kanzaki-san?" Rikuri implored, while going side by side with the Saint, who was similar to her in both age and height (well, would be, if Rikuri didn't wear heels).

"A-As I said that would be me... and why famous? I am not all that praiseworthy..." Kanzaki said, in a picture perfect nadeshiko modesty.

"Well, be it as it may, Kamijou surely thinks otherwise. When he talked about you, it sounded like he was describing 8th wonder of the world" Kaibi added from the front.

Kanzaki blushed and looked down, trying her hardest to hide a small smile on her lips.

"He spoke of me? That's very... uhm? Excuse me... Rikuri-san, was it... what exactly are you doing?"

Rikuri moved rather close to Kanzaki, examining the tied up T-shirt containing her breasts, her legs, hair, and waist, while muttering something to herself.

"I am sorry for her" Kaibi pinched Rikuri, who suddenly snapped back to reality" My sister has a little bit of a complex when it comes to women in the same age group, who are more fit than her"

"Kaibi-chan! It's nothing of this sort, Kanzaki-san, I just was... admiring your sense of style! How avant-garde! Those asymmetric jeans legs are really something else"

"There is actually legitimate reason behind this..."

As Kanzaki tried to explain the sword wielding details that led to her peculiar clothing style, Rikuri's mind strayed in another direction.

'Kamijou was talking the truth about the way she looks. Like a perfect example of feminine vitality. It feels different from me or even Oriana-san. While I think it will be fun to become Kanzaki-san's friend, I need to think of certain measures I can take when it comes to us and Kamijou. To compete against someone like her... maybe if I will do a push up, a squat, and bench press a day, eventually...'

Meanwhile, Touma, Amazora, and Index were walking in the front. Stiyl said that he will buy Index and Kanzaki something to drink, and disappeared from sight.

"So, I guess that you are hungry?" Touma cautiously addressed the silver haired nun.

However, to his utter astonishment, Index tilted her head deep in thought.

"Hmm, I am mildly hungry, but I am not starving, like after usual trips. Food on the plane was great and they actually allowed me to eat 15 different dishes. Thanks to that, I am more-or-less satisfied!"

Touma could burst into tears of happiness in that moment if he didn't restrain himself.

'Thank you, thank you, thank you, wonderful and glorious Mitsuko-sama! I am so happy I could kiss you right now! Why? Because satisfied Index is less angry Index, and she is already quite tense! Maybe this won't be a total disaster after all.'

"I am so jealous that you could live with onii-chan for so long! He may be strange sometimes, but the time he spends with us was so much fun. When we go back, I can show you so many cool things we can-"

"Thanks" Index grumbled under her breath" But I don't need a reminder how to live with Touma. You don't know this yet, but I have a perfect memory. And I certainly don't need any ideas of what to do with Touma, because we already had a great life before you came along!"

With that, she ran forward. Touma looked at Amazora.

"Onii-chan, what's going on?"

"Index... is really nice, but that was a bit of a shock for her. It would be an ideal scenario if she accepted things right away, but..."

"Don't worry, onii-chan, your heroic sis Amazora will save this one for you"

"Oi, wait, don't run around-"

"Index onee-chan!" Amazora screamed, chasing before the girl" Wait!"

"Why are you chasing me?!"

"I don't really know, besides the fact that onii-chan would like us to get along... why are you escaping?"

"I... thought that me and Touma..."

Index began to speak, but a loud sound interrupted them.

In their chase, they found themselves in the middle of the road. And there was one of the unmanned busses heading their way.

"Ah!"

Amazora and Index both tried to flee at the same time, but the foot of the gattling gun user stomped on Index's Walking Church and two girls found themselves on the ground.

"Oh no! Amazora!" Kaibi screamed, and Rikuri bit her lip in hopelessness.

"We can't hope to reach her! But we still have to-"

Kanzaki acted instantaneously. In one moment, she was by Touma's side.

"Kamijou, are you sure that bus is the unmanned one?"

"Y-Yeah, I am sure of it"

Powerful muscles of Kanzaki's legs propelled her forward with a bellowing boom, as she zoomed forward like a bullet.

'No one inside either. Then...'

In an instant, thanks to her supersonic speed, she found herself in front of the bus. At the same time, she grasped the hilt of her nodachi.

"Iaijutsu... Single Flash!"

Motion was too quick for human eye to follow through, as Kanzaki slowly sheathed the sword back. And just as she did...

The bus, that was about to hit her and the girls head on, was cut cleanly into two separate halves, each falling and sparking on the asphalt.

Kaibi and Rikuri's jaws dropped. And that was an euphemism.

'Maybe... single push up won't be enough after all...'

'Was that... body strengthening ability of sorts? So strange... Kamijou's friends are just as mysterious as he is'

"Samurai onee-chan, that was so cool!" Amazora screamed, as she and Index faced Kanzaki

"Kaori... thank you so much!" Index, crying out from relief and thankfulness.

Touma ran to them, kneeling to see both Amazora and Index and pulling them into a hug.

"Everything all right? You could be hurt or die, idiots!"

"Sorry onii-chan."

"I would be fine if I wasn't chased... but I am sorry too"

Then Touma did something unexpected for Kanzaki, as he got up and hugged her as well.

"K-Kamijou-san..."

"Thank you for doing what I couldn't do"

Well, it's not like Kanzaki didn't like that hug, as embarrassing as she could feel.

"It's nothing. I am always happy to aid you in any way I can. We both strive to bring salvation, aren't we?"

"Yeah, that's right."

But the moment of blissfulness between the two didn't last. In that moment, karma decided to be a rather bad bitch.

One of the halves of unmanned bus exploded, which caused a middle-sized steel construction element, resembling long, spear-like axis, to be propelled through the air.

Touma saw it but couldn't shield Kanzaki in time as the axis only grazed him and penetrated Kanzaki Kaori's right side.

The Saint muffled the scream of pain and, after taking a few steps, collapsed on the ground.

"Hey?! Kanzaki?! KANZAKI!"

"Kaori!"

"Samurai onee-chan!"

(LATER...)

Kanzaki blearily opened her eyes.

She looked at the unfamiliar ceiling. But somehow, she knew where she was. That was a hospital where Kamijou Touma usually recovered after his battles.

Her side hurt and Kanzaki winced. How was it possible that out of all places, that thing hit her there?

She heard voices. They were coming from the corridor, and some distance away, but thanks to her superior hearing, she could hear everything.

"Look, Stiyl, I am just as angry as you that Kanzaki got hurt, but why the hell are you blaming this on me?"

It was Touma's voice.

"Let me think. So she just miraculously got hit in one of her stigmata, which is one of the few rare ways she can be incapacitated through, and you happened to be near? It smells like your famous misfortune from a mile away" Stiyl snapped back, as loudly as it was allowed given that they were inside a hospital.

"Hey, back off! I don't care about what happened between Kanzaki-san, Index-san, Kamijou, and you, but don't you dare blame this on him just because you were away and didn't do a thing!"

That was girl known as Kaibi.

"Onii-chan, big priest-san, don't fight! If me and Index-san didn't run then it wouldn't..." Amazora tried to speak up, but Stiyl shot her down without missing a beat.

"You stay out of this! Kanzaki is not weak and she will be back on her feet in no time. It's just in the times like this... working with this guy is a serious pain"

"Say that again, I dare you!"

"Kaibi-chan, calm down! Let's just take a deep breath and wait for Kanzaki-san to awake"

"She is right." It was Index, clearly downtrodden and sad" The only thing important is for Kaori to be back. Touma is not to blame here. Why would he be? She saved me, that was the reason. That's why I am waiting for her here"

Kanzaki could hear Stiyl groaning, which was accompanied by sound of his robe swishing through the air.

"As do I, Index. However, I don't wish to be here for now. I am going outside for a smoke."

"Well, we will go as well. Kaibi-chan is in a rather explosive mood and we would like to prepare everything for the arrival of Index-san and our guests. Please take care, boy"

"See you soon onii-chan."

"Ugh, will you really be okay?"

"Yes, I will be fine. Thank you all. See you in the apartment. Index, are you coming?"

"I will, I am just going to go to caffeteria, see if they have something for Kaori when she wakes up"

The voices faded, as Kanzaki was left pondering in the room.

She was almost ready to get up and hit Stiyl hard on the head for venting frustration on Touma. She was very glad that Kaibi got very vocal in Kamijou's defense. Yet that aside, the short discussion outside got her mind or certain interesting topic.

Kanzaki was blessed with enormous fortune and great luck, stemming from her position as a Saint. Although many would consider it as something amazing, Kanzaki suffered a lot because through her fortune meant other suffered and, in her case, sacrificed their happiness for her. In the past, that was far too much for her to bear and she left Amakusa because of it. Meanwhile, Kamijou Touma was tormented by endless misfortune ever since he was born. Hated and vilified, he was plagued by bad luck and had to endure when others relished good times of prosperity and success.

Stiyl's accusation, although being more of something said in a spur of the moment, was not completely baseless. If Kanzaki recalled correctly, Touma mentioned something about being treated like a god of pestilence when he was a little boy. He was accused of spreading his misfortune around him and causing accidents for others, which resulted in him being bullied and ostracized. Of course, right now, the situation didn't really have anything to do with Touma at all, but...

When it came to fortune and misfortune, providence and pestilence, Kanzaki Kaori and Kamijou Touma were like two parts of one coin of fate. Usually, Kamijou Touma viewed that misfortune was only affecting him more than others. Similarly, Kanzaki thought that through her good fortune, others suffered bad fate. But there could be opposite interpretation as well.

It pained Kanzaki to think about it, but she could imagine that Kamijou used the reasoning that if he was misfortunate, then others gained more luck, to make his self-sacrificing actions more justifiable. But wasn't there something that she was missing?

If Kamijou was thought to influence misfortune in others, shouldn't the reverse be possible in her case? In both instances, the claims were pretty baseless. What they knew for sure was the fact that they were individually lucky and unlucky. But what if Kanzaki could influence good fortune and blessings for people around them? Bestowing miracles, like proper Saint should?

Would that mean...

'If we were to live close by each other, would our fates cancel one another? Would we have chance... to be truly happy?'

Kanzaki knew that it was absurd and foolish. Touma's Imagine Breaker and her divine blessing were not things that could just be turned off. They were parts of them, so to speak. But if there was a chance, an inkling for the influence that could lead to peaceful, normal existence that they sought...

However, the sound of the doorknob turning made her stop and listen. From the sound alone, she would assume it was Kamijou. And when Touma finally did go into the room, Kanzaki was laying on the bed, with her eyes closed.

She didn't really know why she pretended to be asleep on the whim. Maybe because she was curious or maybe because she was embarrassed to be alone with him in such position.

The worried Touma sat by her side and after a moment of consideration, took Kanzaki's hand, clasping it between his own. The girl had to try her hardest not to flinch at the contact.

"Hey, Kanzaki. It's strange to see you in bed like this. It is usually the other way around... Well, since you waited for me to awake before, I will wake as long as it takes to welcome you back"

'That's so sweet... also, don't look at me! It's pathetic and only happened because it hit my stigma! I never have need for hospitals, I practically never had cold in my entire life!'

"I don't know if Stiyl is right, but if my misfortune really influenced this, like in old times, then I am truly sorry"

'No, don't blame yourself. It was a random accident and I practically already recovered. There were merely 3 or 4 hour of lost time.'

"Still, seeing you like this is not right. That's why, regardless of your strength, I would like to prevent things like this from happening to you. I promise! You know, you always talk about debt this, debt that, but in truth, I thought that I should be one thanking you."

'N-No! I was the one who benefitted for you though... you inspired me more than you can ever imagine!'

"You always trying to save people, acted like a big sister to Index, and helped me throughout many things. Remember the time when you saved me when I jumped from the Flying Fortress?"

'How could I forget? I was so mad at you back then. You are lucky that I have my magic name to uphold and that I lo... lo... like you a lot"

In her frustration, she tightened her grip on Touma's own hand, but the boy was so focused on his own thoughts that he didn't notice that.

"The point is, I am always happy to work with you because I feel that we get each other's values. It's really nice, knowing that there is someone like that out there, even if we usually do different things. So, I guess I still need to thank you for many things. Starting with you being here at all and ending with Fallen Angel Ero Maid..."

Kanzaki made a choking noise and Touma stopped. But after observing her a while, he assumed it was just some strange reflexive reaction in her sleep.

"That was unexpected, but after some time passed, as a healthy high school guy I must say that you looked amazing. As I say, there are many things you need to be thanked for. And I was just thinking about something to make you feel better after you awake..."

'T-There is truly no need! I don't know what I will have to do if I will be indebted to you any more... also, what's actually going on? This speech is over the top, Kamijou! I am not dying! You are very, very sweet, but you are acting like an overprotective husband right now. I knew men are prone to overreaction when it comes to sickness, but honestly... w-wait, why did I say husband?! Did I just imagine myself and Kamijou as a... b-bad Kaori! Very bad! Don't let your thoughts stray! Be like when you draw a sword, a calm, undisturbed water...'

"Oh, I know! Last time we were here, you were about to give me a note with something you wanted to do for me. You destroyed it, saying there was not important anymore, but maybe I could ask you what that thing was and I could do it for you instead!"

The 'undisturbed water' in Kanzaki's mind suddenly became a miniature storm.

'T-The note... in a hospital...w-wait... wasn't that... when I proposed to slee... sleep... w-with... w-we can't...'

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

The heart monitor's beeping made Kamijou frown.

"You are getting very hot... and you are shivering?! Maybe you do have a fever after all! Wait up, I will go fetch the doc!"

After Touma left, Kanzaki rose up, covering tomato-red face in her hands.

"How is it possible that he is usually so dense and then he says things like this out of the blue..."

After a short while, she dropped back to the pillow and closed her eyes, when Kamijou returned, this time with the familiar frog faced doctor in tow.

"Are you sure doc?"

"Yes, I am positive. She is not only healthy already, she made almost full recovery. She will be free to go when she wakes up. She is very lucky, that axis didn't do any fatal damage. Besides, her tissue heals fast. Also, there's actually something I want to talk with you... you see, I took the liberty to do a full array of body tests when she was unconscious... with our technology, it only took over an hour. I must apologize for that later on, but my medical curiosity got the better of me. Also, it may be beneficial for me to have that data in case something happened to her again while in the City. I doubt normal hospital would be able to treat her. Needless to say, her data is safe with me. I will only disclose it with you as you are acquainted with her through the other side"

'T-That doctor! Were those tests truly necessary? Then again... I was never actually checked up like this, I never needed to. I know a lot about being a Saint from magical side of things, but I never considered there could be a medical side to it to. Who knows, maybe I learn something interesting about myself. Also, I know from Kamijou that this doctor can be trusted. He is a professional medic who saved countless lives and aided Kamijou on multiple occasions...'

"Do you wish to discuss it here?"

"Yeah... I would rather not leave Kanzaki until she is awake..."

"Good call. Sometimes, patients do strange and erratic things when they awake from coma, however short it may be, caused by an injury. Well, to start with what I want to say about Kanzaki-san, we both realize that her body isn't exactly normal. And I am not talking about her looks being above average"

Although they spoke quietly, Kanzaki's superior hearing once again worked flawlessly.

'L-Let me take back all good things, you pervert! And Kamijou-san, d-d-did you just made that fully convicted 'mhm' sound at that. M-My cover will be blown at this point'

But still, she found it in herself to steady herself and listen

"Let's see, let's see... here we have a truly unique muscle composition. The density of muscle fibers is almost sixfold of regular human while retaining normal mass. The way Kanzaki-san's circulation entangles her muscles, combined with the way in which the fibres themselves contract makes you think more of a hydraulic system than organic tissue. From purely physical point of view, it can achieve truly monstrous strength with minimal exertion. Then, there is skeletal system. Very strong and reinforced heads of the bones and hard rib cage. At the same time, the chemical composition of the bones is more than just calcium phosphate, most common component. Her bones are as durable as carbon fibber while also being greatly elastic. Those two characteristics, unprecedented together, allow Kanzaki-san's skeleton to withstand great pressure and make her bones very hard to break. I also imagine it makes her punches seem as if you were hit by a block of concrete. There is her blood circulation. The flow of blood is increased with maximum efficiency with vessels being very widely spread and transporting blood at very high pressure, higher than statistic norm. Kanzaki-san's blood has very high level of haemoglobin and red blood cells, allowing for the much better oxygenation of the body. Her bone marrow produces the quantities of RBCS suited more for high altitude of mountains with low oxygen! Body temperature is slightly lower than normal, being 30 C, and there is also remarkable recovery rate of damaged cells thanks to it. To compensate for lower temperature, there is a layer of special fat, which, as you may already suspect, is prominently seen in chest area. Aside this, her nervous system appears to function on different impulse frequency, allowing much faster reflexes, her lungs are capable of taking thrice as much air as ours at maximum inflation, retina cells are equipped in cells that allow effortless night vision, like in nocturnal animals, and the eyesight may exceed normal dioptres... there are so many peculiar improvements from what we know about human body! Although this is speculative, her cells may have a level of high immunity to poisoning and radiation. There is also her heart..."

"Her... heart?"

Heaven Canceller took out the recorded and placed it between them

"Listen to this"

Kamijou listened. And he heard it.

"BA... BOOMP... ... ... ... BA.. BOOMP... ... ... ... ...BA... BOOMP... ... ... ...BA... BOOMP..."

"Her heart beats nearly two times at a slower pace than ours, meaning diastolic pressure, the one between two heartbeats, persists unusually long. But on the other hand, her systolic pressure, the one in which heart expels blood outwards, is much higher than that of a regular human. It means that with smaller amount of exertion, her heart gives the body much more blood. And with her red blood cell levels, it means that she can beat professional athletes without any training"

"Yeah, I can definitely see that. But... why are you telling me all of those medical details doc?"

Heaven Canceller sighed, putting the tests aside.

"I am sure you probably expect what I am about to say, but as a doctor I must say... your friend's body seems like a miracle. It wouldn't be a stretch to call her superior human in design, akin to next step in evolution. Although I know she is strong and presumably can defeat most of the dangers of this world, there are many types of darkness in the world, many types of wounds, some of which not even I can heal. And there are equally as many ways to defeat someone. Everyone has weaknesses. With body like Kanzaki-san has, many would want to have a piece of her... and I am afraid I mean it in rather gruesome sense. So please, do what you do best. Protect her, the best way you can. Aside from the fact that Kanzaki-san is a wonderful young woman as an individual, we cannot allow if someone with malicious intent managed to replicate her biology."

Touma nodded. It was not like he intended anything else if Kanzaki was ever in danger... although he was not sure what would that situation even be. After all, he never once bested a Saint in a fight, so what could he do in a situation that physically overpowered them? But besides this fact, he wasn't sure if Heaven Canceller's concern was validated. From what he heard, Saint status was something similar to mutation, couldn't be inherited, and attempts to achieve sainthood through magic were rarely successful. But on the other hand, there were many incidents in the past that completely overturned his assumptions on what was possible and what was not. Maybe viewing Kanzaki's case through medical viewpoint was different than merely considering symbolic value of her being a human closer to the image of God, as magic side described it.

"Of course. When it comes to it, I will do everything to keep Kanzaki safe"

BEEP... BEEP... BEEP!

Although Kamijou didn't notice it, Kanzaki bit her lips as her cheeks reddened.

The glint of mischief entered the eyes of the elder man, as he leaned over to Kamijou.

"I am glad to hear that. Also, as a bonus, I may tell you another bit of information that may be important for you. This sturdy yet elastic bone structure is also present in the pelvis. Which means Kanzaki-san would have no problem in bearing a child..."

BEEP! BEEP! BEEEEEEEP! BEEEP!

Kanzaki's eyes opened and she shot up from the bed, to the shock of Touma and mild surprise at the face of the doctor.

"Wa...wah...awawawawawawa!"

In rare moment of raw embarrassment, red-faced Kanzaki promptly turned around and smashed through the outer wall of the hospital, jumping straight down through the 3 floor drop.

"Well, as I said, strange and erratic behaviours after awakening. Though I have to admit, I never had someone jump through a wall before" commented Heaven Canceller/

(LATER)

"Oh, Touma, Kaori, you are back! I am glad that you are awake... huh? What happened? You are both kind of... red?!

"A-Are we?! You must be seeing things, Index. And even if we were, it's because we were rushing to meet you as fast as we can" Touma laughed awkwardly, looking at Kanzaki.

Earlier, he came down and gave Kanzaki her normal clothes. After few words of explanation, they both needed to recover from embarrassment coursing through them.

'So she heard me say all of that... w-well, I planned to tell her, but I kind of blew it that way'

"K-Kanzaki-san... even though what I said by your bed is true, m-maybe we should forget this incident?"

Kanzaki nodded on autopilot, but in truth, she was far from forgetting it.

'W-What was with that conversation? For some reason, I cannot stop thinking about this... I never thought about it before but... child...'

Kanzaki cast a discreet glance at Touma, who was talking with Index and patting her reassuringly on the head.

'K-Kamijou's child...as in... child with Kamijou...'

"Kaori, are you sure you can walk?"

"Ah... y-yes, of course. This doctor was actually rather good, I feel like my baby... no, I mean, Kamijou's baby... a r-regular baby... a-anyway I feel so great that I could even run! In fact, that's exactly what I'll do. Stiyl gave me an address, so I will get on ahead to get everything ready for you..."

ZOOM! The flustered Saint disappeared, leaving slightly confused pair dozens of meters behind her.

"Sorry you two, I just need to calm my head... and deal with those visions of familial life I never thought I could have..."

(IN TOUMA + GOKUSAI APARTMENT)

When they returned to the apartment, they were welcomed by a surprise.

Rikuri used her drones to spread out confetti as Amazora started to blow her air horn until Kaibi had to snatch it from her hands.

"WELCOME HOME, INDEX-SAN!"

Index walked in, confused and shocked, looking at the festive table in the living room.

"Kamijou told us how much you like to eat! He made lots of food for you, I also contributed something with my blooming culinary finesse" explained Rikuri, motioning around the room" Kaibi suggested desserts. And as for Amazora..."

"I can give you some of my oysters. Not all of them though, I need to feed onii-chan too"

Index nodded, as everyone took a sit. Stiyl finally arrived too. He was clearly interested in only two things: talking with Index and food, in that specific order, but no one seem to mind.

Everything seemed to be going fine. Almost an hour passed. Rikuri conversed with Kanzaki about lifestyle differences, Touma was fed by Amazora, while Stiyl grilled some meat for Index.

However, the guest of honour was mainly unresponsive. And that lasted for so long that finally Stiyl frowned and opened his mouth, trying to ask if the girl was alright.
But before he got a chance to do so...

"Hey!" Kaibi's voice rose above the others, that instantly got quiet.

The middle sister looked at Index, who was munching on the food without usual enthusiasm.

"Look, we all see that something is not right and no amount of singing, eating, and doing other distracting stuff is going to cover it up. We tried, but it failed, and there is something clearly going on. Why won't you tell us? If you have a problem, out with it! It's much better than just being awkwardly fake!"

Index didn't say anything for a few moments, before swallowing and looking at Touma.

"Touma..."

"Y-Yes?"

"I... am not alright with this! How can I be alright?! You sent me away and had fun with some people I don't even know! You moved to some fancy place without me and I bet you had super lot of fun while at it! Not to mention that you live in such moral depravation! Three woman, basically strangers?! Why did you do that Touma?! Was I not enough?! Was the days we had not enough, after all we had?! Is this worth more, so you didn't send me back earlier!"

"Now wait a second Index, it was really a lot of coincidences and..."

"Y-You are lying Touma! I bet you were really happy being able to rest from an annoying brat like me!" Index cried out, showing just how corrosive and toxic were the emotions that were eating her alive in that moment" Is our time together so worthless that you can just replace it like that?! I hate this! Don't ruin how we used to live!"

"Index... listen, please... that's not so-"

"TOUUMMAAAA! I hate this! I thought you did what you said, what you promised and instead you played around! AAAARRRGH!"

CHOMP!

Index's jaws found their way on Touma's skull and the boy groaned, as she bit with greater tenacity than usual.

"What the hell? Get off him!" Kaibi sprinted forward and with her effort, Index teeth separated from Touma's body. "I get that you are upset, but what is wrong with you?!"

"What is wrong with me?! What is wrong with someone who steals someone else's partner and friend?!" Index yelled, tears falling down her cheeks" I am going away! It's not like I am needed here anymore! This apartment isn't even my real hooooome!"

And with that, she ran off slamming the doors behind her.

"Index!" Touma got up, but it was too late. He looked at everyone else.

Kaibi remained standing with hardened expression. An oyster fell of Amazora's lips. Rikuri covered her own mouth in expression of shock. Kanzaki looked at the door and then at Touma with expression of concern. Stiyl was looking at him with enigmatic look, appearing slightly irritated but also confused about new development.

They all knew something was brewing behind the surface. They felt the tension rising. But they chose to cover it up and ignore it. And now it backfired in the worst possible way.

"Did I do something wrong?" Touma muttered to himself.

However, Kanzaki still decided to answer as she shook her head

"I... don't know. We all could see this coming, but we... deluded ourselves, that everything will be okay"

"Even if we could..." Kaibi replied with arms crossed" She didn't take it fairly. What was that logic? It kind of pisses me off!"

"Kaibi-san, Index was confused..."

"Confused? It still doesn't justify her..."

"DOES IT REALLY MATTER RIGHT NOW?!" Stiyl shouted in commanding voice" We can play guilty and innocent later on. For now, she is alone in the city and it will be getting dark soon. Let's go and take her back!"

He was an actual voice of reason in this situation.

So they all set out to look for the grimoire library.

(WITH INDEX)

Index ran a good distance away from the apartment, randomly twisting and turning her path, before she finally found herself under one of the city's bridges. When she stood there, gazing at the water with slightly puffy eyes, something stirred in her hood.

"Oh, that's it! I can't take this anymore!"

A surprised nun searched through her clothes, finally finding an owner of the familiar voice

"Othinus? What are you doing here?"

"I climbed onto you when everyone was distracted. Now, I have something very important to say to you. So sit down!"

"If you are going to convince me to go back, I am not-"

"SIT. DOWN"

Even if she was 15cm tall, commanding voice of Othinus caused Index to sit on the ground.

"Let's start from the beginning. Why did you get so upset?"

Index thought for a moment, before answering

"I am... mad at Touma because he found someone when I was away. Because he had fun when I wasn't around and turned sinful around them"

Othinus nodded, before sighing and looking Index in the eyes, as she stood at the palm of nun's hand.

"You know, he wouldn't like me to tell you this, but I can't stand this, and will have this talk for your own good"

"What are you talking about?"

"Okay, don't you think that you are being more than a little hypocritical here?"

"What?!"

"Okay, allow me to elaborate. My Understander told me, in biggest secrecy, that you confessed his love for him when he first awoke after loss of his memories. Is that correct?"

"Y-Yes, it is... but what does this have to do with anything? And why did he tell you?"

"Patience, we will get to that. As for why he told me, it's simply because he was unsure of what to do. He didn't want to hurt you with this, but it bothered me since I was observing your behaviour around one another for quite some time. So, when you confessed, did he accept it?"

"I don't... think so? He just... moved along with the conversation?"

"Excellent. He was undecided. Now, one key question: What did you take from that situation?"

Index blinked in confusion.

"What did I... take? I went to live with Touma and we were happy ever since"

"Really? Cause to me, it seems like you assumed his silence for the acceptance of your confession"

Index leaned backwards with her eyes widening, but Othinus still persisted in keeping her own gaze fixed at silver haired girl.

"Don't you see certain pattern here? On the one hand, you were always mad at him whenever he was with another girl and did something you dubbed 'sinful' but on the other, you never pursued him further, just assumed you already claimed everything and settled on that. Whenever he made mistake, which we both know happens painfully often because of his lack of fortune, what did you do? Instead of tending to him or talking it out, you usually lashed out and bit him."

Index stared at the ex-goddess with tears forming in her eyes, but Othinus wasn't done yet.

"Honestly, what did you think would happen? That you would keep him from seeing other girls, but at the same time bite him all the time and use him only when you saw it fit because of your assumed advantage? I am sorry, but this is hypocrisy if I ever seen one. It just shouldn't work like that. I am not saying this to scare you, I am saying it because I care. About that human, you, and our peaceful days together. Never forget: Kamijou Touma did not have any obligation to help us. He is kind and lets us voice our opinions but he also never had any obligation to explain himself when he got new roommates, especially since it was supposedly an accident from the side of both parties. We are his freeloaders after all. We owe him and can live together thanks to his kindness. That's why we must never, ever take it for granted. Do you get it?"

Index nodded. Tears, not from anger but from shame and guilt streamed down her tears.

"O-Othinus... I was stupid, wasn't I? W-Was I actually awful one this whole time? Did I hurt Touma?... Should I go away? Would I-"

"Ssssh!" Othinus put a finger to her lips, and Index focused on her again" Take a deep breath through your nose, hold it in for a few seconds, and let it out. Repeat that couple times and listen to me again"

After Index calmed down a little bit, Othinus sighed and pointed a finger at her

"I ask you this: what do you desire to do now?"

"Desire? You mean... there is still time to fix this?"

"Trust me, this human can find time after eons of killing to forgive someone. Besides, I don't think he is actually all that mad. It's just the issue of... cleaning the atmosphere. He could have handled introducing those girls better, you could have acted less like a spoiled brat. What's done is done. But you have all you need to change, if you want to. I saw it in you before. You were trying to change before, trying to learn how to cook and be more helpful. Don't allow your negative emotions to divert you from that path. I know you can do it, I truly believe in that"

"You do?"

"Yes. It's all part of the process. You are just experiencing it later on because you had your memory and personality erased, isn't that right? Index, the key to wisdom is adapting and thinking about the solution of the problem instead of ignoring the reality, while the key to maturity is to listen, reflect, and communicate your needs instead of pretending your emotions don't exist or aren't worth it. Don't worry, it took me a bit to get a hang of it too. So if you want to change, listen to him. Speak with him, instead of shouting at him. Tell him your problems, instead of biting him. Try to work up a compromise before accusing him of things. I know this isn't easy and obvious. But it's the step in the best possible direction for you. And one more thing. Those girls are not so bad. In their own way, they wanted to make you feel welcomed simply because it was important to my human. Initially, I was hesitant too. But regardless of what twists of fate brought them to our path and for how long, they bring him joy and satisfaction. Shouldn't that be enough? I am not asking you to love them right away. But you should really give them a chance and blank slate. Who knows, maybe they will surprise you?"

Index thought, thought, and thought some more. Finally, she smiled slightly

"I... want Touma to be happy. If he isn't happy, then it's all pointless. I just thought... that he didn't need me anymore. I know we talked about this, but when he suddenly got new roommates, I thought..."

"No, why would you get that idea?! Little bit of estrogens in the air and you are freaking out? I can assure you, you are one of the most precious people in the world for him. He even told those sisters about you in such way."

Index blushed a little at those words.

"Now, who are you?"

"I am... Index Librorum Prohibitorum!"

"That's right. What do you want?"

"To be happy with Touma and give a chance to others that make him happy. I want to be the best version of myself. I-"

Index's stomach growled as she bit her lip, while glancing at Othinus

"I... am hungry after all the running."

"It wouldn't be like you without it. Let's go back home then"

(20 MINUTES LATER...)

Thanks to her perfect memory, Index wasn't troubled in finding her way back to the apartment. And it just so happened that on her way she stumbled across one she wanted to see the most. Kamijou Touma was searching for her, accompanied by Gokusai Kaibi.

"Index?! Where were you? We were worried that-"

Index simply run towards Touma and hugged him. She initially said one phrase only

"Thank you"

Touma, although slightly surprised, went with his gut and simply reincorporated the warm hug. Kaibi decided to tactfully step aside for that moment

Finally, they were ready to speak to one another.

"Index, I am so sorry. I should have thought that it would be uncomfortable for you. I should have do it slowly and explain it to you better. But I never wanted to hurt you or replace you, I swear"

"I know Touma. I was just... angry and scared. I got mad and... I really owe you an apology too. For a lot of things that I didn't actually realize before. But to start, I promise to give all of this a chance and try to see everything in a new light"

"Oh... wow... I mean... that's great" Touma muttered, a little bit shocked but also happy by the direction in which the conversation suddenly turned.

Index then turned towards Kaibi

"Kaibi-san... I feel a little bit awful after how I lashed out at all of you..."

"Don't sweat it. I mean, I actually get you. To be suddenly put into room full of strange girls might be a little overwhelming. I initially didn't know how to get along with Kamijou, for example... yet now it's different. Because this is obviously important to him, I am ready to try to get along with you... on one condition."

"That's great! And that would be?"

"You see, me and Kamijou might not see eye to eye in every instance, but I discovered that he is someone with whom my emotional connection feels truly genuine. He accepted me in all of the possible ugly aspects of the truth and made me feel important again. He is important to my sister too and as for me, even if we are still work in progress, I am trying to be by his side and support him. If you want to do the same, you are free to do as you wish. However, don't think even for a moment that I will go back to what I used to be simply because you had some whims. I can only propose trying to get along and move towards the future. But no way in hell am I letting him and those newfound emotions go. I just wish to say that now to clarify things"

Index smiled and extended her hand to Kaibi

"I don't want to separate you... much. Not anymore. Touma is Touma, and if he is okay with both of us being here, then I can't really force him to do otherwise"

"Index... what happened?" Touma blinked, not really recognizing the girl he was looking at" Did you hit your head? Or eat something sour?"

"Mou, Touma! Can't a girl have an enlightenment in the middle of a tantrum..."

There was small rustling in her hood.

"... with a small help, I got to the revelation that other people are God's gift for you. And even if I want to retain my place by your side, I cannot deny His grace on your way"

"At least you are honest about not fully wanting to let go of control. Fine then." Kaibi took Index's extended hand" And as for the finishing touch..."

Her eyes glowed and shiver came through Index's body. Her frame trembled but the girl stood her ground.

Kaibi raised an eyebrow.

"Oh? Really impressive!

"What... did you do to me?" Index whispered, trying to shake cold sweat from her skin.

"I increased the emotional distance between you and Kamijou as far as I could to see how you will react. But you still stood your ground and refused to flee. Index-san, have to say that my respect to you just rose quite a bit of points"

"Never... do that again." Index dried her brow and swallowed hard" It felt awful, whatever that was. But... you are right. No matter what, I will not abandon Touma. I can't live in the world without him"

"Index..." Touma whispered, genuinely touched by her words.

"We are on the same page then. What do you say that we go back, tell everyone you are safe and resume the party?"

Index nodded with a smile

"I would like that very much..."

Her stomach growled, loudly

"...f-for more than one reason"

All three shared a laugh.

(LATER...)

When everyone was notified, there went towards Touma's old apartment as there was someone in need of picking up now that Index returned.

"Sphynx! Welcome back!" Index smiled, taking a cat from the arms of Maika Tsuchimikado" Was he behaving well?"

"Yes, it was a pleasure to take of him. Good maid should be good with master's animals too"

"Awwwww, he is so cute!" Amazora cooed, as Sphynx meowed at her. "Onee-chans, isn't it great that he will be with us?!"

"I am not really a cat person, but he has some charm" Kaibi shrugged with a smile" Hmm, Rikuri onee-chan, didn't you have a cat allergy before?!"

"Yeah, onee-chan got all sniffly and stuff"

"Hmm, hmm, hmm... I experimented with histamine and various allergens, developing allergic immunity!" Rikuri exclaimed proudly, and other four, including Index, clapped their hands.

"That sounds very professional. That's our genius chemist for you!"

"Yeah... it was painful path of unending sneezing, teary eyes, rashes, and nigh-fatal anaphilcatic shocks, but it's all worth it if I can hug this cutie now. You are almost as precious as your owner!" Rikuri winked to Touma, who quickly turned around to hide his face.

"A-Anyway, it's high time to go home and into the party!"

(BACK AT THE APARTMENT)

After everything was settled, everybody got back and talked to Index, party resumed, though in much better spirits than previously.

Gokusai Rikuri's eyes sparkled as she hugged Index to her chest

"Ah, Index-san, so you like my food? I am so happy to hear that. Oh, I am overjoyed!"

Index was in her usual black hole mode, clearing everything out of the table, which included Rikuri's dishes.

"Finally, a true appreciator of my dishes. I am so happy that this day came..."

'We are happy too' thought Touma, Kaibi, and Amazora, although for rather different reason'

"What are you doing Touma? The food is great!"

"I wouldn't want to diminish your portion, Index..."

As Index took one more chance in speaking with the sisters, it actually got much better. It turned out that she and Amazora found a common ground in discussing flaws and superiorities of TV shows. Amazora was more into action series, when Index fancied mahou shoujou, especially Magic Powered Kanamin. Soon, the discussion turned into something mildly resembling Touma's own discussions with Tsuchimikado and Aogami about girl types.

Kaibi laughed by his side. Upon Touma's questioning gaze, she explained

"Sorry, it's just... I had no idea that Index bit you all the time. And now I imagined Kakine or that Meltdowner bitch with her on their heads... why is this so funny? My sides..."

Meanwhile, Rikuri decided to converse with Kanzaki. And everything was going fine until Rikuri decided to drink, and actually got Kanzaki to follow her lead as well. The Saint only did so from being well-mannered and not wanting to reject host's offer, but the effect was pretty much the same.

Stiyl facepalmed. It was rather ironic that he was drinking juice, but aside of Othinus, Rikuri and Kanzaki were the only ones of age in the room.

Kanzaki went to Touma, lifted him up, and snuggled her face with his hair.

"Pointy, pointy hair... squishy, squishy hug..."

"Kanzaki-san... a-are you drunk already? You are crushing me..."

"Tehee! I will hug you foreverrrrrrr... *hic*... and... I am not... drunk... you're just... cuuuuuu...d... cyude? Ku... te... C-U-T-E... bleh..."

"Stiyl, is she one of those cases when personality completely flips over once drunk?" Touma wheezed, finally breaking out of the nice-smelling but possibly injury-causing hug.

"You can say that. She usually avoids alcohol for that reason, but is far too polite to decline in front of someone new. That idiot... I hope you are ready to repair your walls after that..."

"What?!"

"Kami-jouuuuu... how can I repay me deeeeebt, when you don't wanna shnugggle... I am gonna catch you nooooow... I want to hug you and my washhin machiiine at same tiiiime... wait, my arrrrrmsh are not that wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii...de..."

Suddenly, equally drunk Rikuri grabbed Kanzaki from behind, causing the girl to squeal in surprise.

"No fairrrrrr... I wanna do that tooo... you thinnng... that you have all the good stuff... but I am not out of the game either..."

"Gokushai-shan, don't squeeze my... gyah!" Kanzaki flinched as pouting Rikuri got her hands on her chest.

"Repent... for being shekshy and fiii... buurp...fit. I will show Kamijou that I am shtill... alphaaah female..."

"Huuuh?! I shooo him firsssst... kyah! That ticklesh..."

"W-What are we even watching anymore?!" Touma looked at the surrealistic sight.

Stiyl didn't answer, also bewildered, as he made a sign of cross in front of himself.

"You will regret... messhing with... Shaint of far Weest... easht... was it Easht? Whatever... fear me, if you...ugh... dare!"

She and Rikuri stood in front of one another, with Kanzaki pointing her finger, which would give an intimidating effect if only she wasn't point too far to the right from where Rikuri was.

"Bring it...oooohhhhn!" Rikuri wailed, as the two charged at each other.

"Hey, maybe that's enough" Touma stood up and rushed forward too, with the intention of separating the far too enthusiastic girls.

Few things happened in quick succession.

Kamijou tripped over the powering cable for console that Index and Amazora played on (somehow so absorbed in the game and rivalry that they missed the entire mess behind their backs!) and fell forward.

Kanzaki and Rikuri had no time to stop, even if they were to notice him.

Since they were roughly the same size, their chests were also more or less on the same height.

Touma practically flew between them, in one in thousand chances outcome, as two pairs of womanly assets pressed on his head from both sides, with all the acceleration times mass taking effect on his skull.

But no matter how soft and elastic they were, Newton's III law took effect and both women rebounded, sent in opposite directions. Rikuri practically slid backwards, almost all the way to the hall, while Kanzaki tripped and fell upside down behind the couch. Kamijou Touma, after Double Bossom K.O, spun around like a broken fan and also collapsed on the carpet.

"FATALITY!"

"Eh? How are you so good in this when you never played?!" Amazora shook Index, who smiled smugly.

"Hmm, hmm! I can easily memorize all the... huh? Touma?! Why is everyone on the ground all of the sudden?!"

"Riku Onee-chan?! Onii-chan?! Samurai onee-chan?!"

"I am truly surrounded by idiots..." Stiyl sighed and Kaibi massaged sides of her head, sitting on the adjacent chair.

"In times like this, I can't help but agree. Do you want a refill?"

"That would be very preferable"

(LATER ON...)

Stiyl and Kanzaki decided to stay the night. Well, Stiyl relented, because Kanzaki fell asleep, with Rikuri out cold too.

Kaibi and Touma got Amazora to go to bed, although she kept pressing Index to tell her something interesting. Index got way too much into it, and only after she started to tell Amazora of Lemegeton and hierarchy of hell, did Touma decided that that was too much for one day and took Index to his room. Kaibi wasn't too happy about that fact, but Touma calmed her down, saying that he is only giving his bed to Index until they order something for her to sleep on. Touma himself got a futon that he spread in the bathroom. With Stiyl, Rikuri, and Kanzaki in the living room, Kaibi and Amazora in one bedroom, and Index in the other, he felt that this was great choice. It also felt quite nostalgic for him.

When he finally laid down, he hoped to get some good rest.

Even if he had dreams, after talk with dragons he doubted anything could be stranger.

He was wrong, as he was in for one of the longest and strangest dreams of his life.

(SOME TIME LATER...)

"Upsies!"

Touma blinked, looking around. He was in a very big hall... no, it was more like a dining room in a castle that he once saw in a documentary. He was standing by the side of great hall, with table fit for dozens of people.

He looked down and noticed a small girl reaching forward with her hands.

The girl had long, dark, purple-tinged hair, that fell loosely to middle of her back. The longer he looked at her, the more she reminded him of someone.

"Upsies!" the small girl repeated with a smile, reaching out even more eagerly.

And just when Touma was about to yield to the girl's evident plea to pick her up.

"Okay, okay, let onee-chan do this! One, two, three!"

Touma almost screamed when a girl, who was apparently standing beside him, phased through him, picking the smaller kid up.

"What? Is this... can they not see or hear me?" Touma muttered to himself "What is going on?"

The newcomer was much older than 'upsies' girl. She was rather tall and of slim built. She wore clothes including leather jacket that would fit on a rebellious rocker and had long, dark hair that seemed to be slightly spiked up. Despite that, she didn't wear any dark makeup and her expression was pleasant as she addressed violet-haired girl.

"Here you go, Shishi. Wait just a bit longer, aunt Itsuwa and the others will be here soon. Everyone just needs some time to come here. We are all very excited for your birthday!"

Itsuwa... As Touma narrowed his eyes, he noticed detail that he missed before. The smaller girl had double eyelids.

'What... she is like Itsuwa, but also not Itsuwa at the same time... who are they and what am I doing here?'

"Hey" the rocker girl shouted to the others" at which time dad said he will gather everyone?"

Now, for the first time, Touma noticed there were many, many more people in the room than he initially saw. Their ages varied, but they were all still children.

The smaller girl called Shishi took a honorary spot on the table, while girl with spiked-up ponytail taking place by her left side.

"Shouldn't be too long. There is still time for them to arrive. You know how dad is, always some accident in last moment" answered a boy with elegantly combed black hair and brown, almost golden eyes.

"Yeah, wouldn't be a day without something happening" commented his neighbour, a muscular looking teen with shortly cut dark hair and prominent eyebrows.

The table was circular and Touma looked around through the faces of various people on the seats. Next to the strong looking guy sat two girls that looked almost identical, with lighter skin tone, wavy blond hair reaching to the middle of their backs, and eyes as grey as storm clouds. Across them sat another girl, with a long, cool grey hair, and indigo eyes, looking at something in her smartphone, with long legs crossed under the table. Her nails were painted and she wore a blue hoodie with golden initials: B.K

The B.K girl was the center of left side of the table. On her right sat three girls: a small one with bangs of dark hair practically covering her eyes, one in the elegant school uniform, with middle-length burgundy hair and similarly coloured eyes, as well as black haired, golden-eyed girl with rather casual clothing, pronouncing her not so modest chest. On the left, reaching Shishi, there were 2 guys: chestnut haired teen with grey eyes wearing a hoodie very similar to Touma's own. Then, a rather arrogantly relaxed boy that Touma felt could be his younger cousin, such was the similarity in their faces and hairstyle. The striking difference however, was the colour of boy's hair. It was bright red, as if flame itself froze on his head. Additionally from the two, there was one girl, sitting directly in front of small Shishi, in elegant kimono, gentle face, and cascading dark-brown hair accompanied by eyes that seemed to shimmer in many different hues.

There was also a right side of the table. Next to the kimono wearing girl sat thin boy with a hairstyle that resembled a samurai knot, wearing something with an uncanny resemblance to a medical apron. Afterwards, a guy wearing red T-shirt with a small sun on it, contrasting with his shoulder length, dark brown hair. Then, boy and a girl, different yet similar enough for one to notice that they were siblings, maybe even twins. The boys eyes were blue and girl's were grey, but both had the same hue of dark hair and eyebrows looking like a smudge from calligraphy brush.

After that came already mentioned blond twins. Counting clockwise: Girl called Shishi, brown haired guy in a uniform, red haired guy wearing jeans, B.K dark-grey haired girl, girl with bangs, burgundy haired girl, the black hair plus golden eyes combo, girl in a kimono, samurai knot, red T-shirt, two pairs of twins (brunette and blond), muscular guy, the elegant guy with combed hair, and rocker-like girl. Together 17 people. There were also multiple chairs vacated, apparently prepared for someone.

For now, the confused Touma just listened to the conversation

"It's been a while, everyone" the girl in a kimono clapped her hands "and on such occasion too! Happy birthday, little sister"

She addressed the small girl similar to Itsuwa, but the black haired girl with prominent chest stopped the wishes

"Shizuka nee-chan, we should wait for dad, mom, and others to arrive."

"Ah, maybe you are right. Kiseki-chan, did you change your shampoo again?"

"Oh, thank you for noticing. It's actually..."

Free conversations broke all over the table. Touma, listening for a while, was more or less able to piece names together with people, as he was going around the table listening to the conversations.

"Is everyone here?" asked the one of the blond twins with grey eyes, called Mary by others.

"Well, Leo onii-chan and Kira onee-chan must remain in UK... but they, aunt Rimea, aunt Carissa, and aunt Villian send best wishes for Shishi." answered the guy in red T-shirt with a sun, identified by Touma as Tsubasa." Same with auntie Sequenzia and older sis Seika. They are together on the mission outside of the city and will probably join with us on video call. Auntie Sozty had to come to India on request on her cabal and took Parvati with her, even though she wanted to stay. However, we have their presents and dad said they will try to call us as well."

"Shame Leo and Kira couldn't join us..." commented Kenjou" but well, aside from being our brother, they have the obligations to Royal Family. What about Haruto?"

"He is with aunt Kaibi and should be here soon"

"He better be... hmm..."

"Kenjou-san, why are you so upset?" asked the chestnut haired guy, called Takami, as the rocker girl looked at the clock hanging over huge wooden doors.

"I am just a little bit pissed that we are still not starting. I had to shorten my kendo practice. Of course Shishi takes priority, but I would like it to actually be a party so I would feel better about it."

"Calm down. One day without being momma's girl won't really make a difference" said Takami, to which girl named Kenjou reddened and screamed.

"I am not momma's girl! I just admire her skills and want to be good like she is"

"Sure, onee-chan... but you are practically hanging on auntie Kaori and..." the elegantly combed guy, called Kaizumi, stopped when he noticed murderous glare that Kenjou was giving him "But after some consideration, never mind..."

"You know, since we are here, we should share some stories like we usually do" said the girl with burgundy hair, looking around the table.

"Kanari, please, let it be recent news" black hair + golden eyes girl, Kiseki, sighed at that" If we are to listen for 10th time how your mom, aunt Seria, and dad fought with that biomechanical dragon, I swear..."

"Hey, I didn't complain when you tell us about your mom. And my mom did not exactly like aunt Misaki back then"

"When, m-mom is not perfect, no one is..." Kiseki muttered, chuckling at that, before pointing at Shishi" Okay, little sister, since it's your birthday, you start."

"Me..." small girl tilted her head, before beaming at the rest" My mommy is very busy while working with others in Amakusa. But she still stays with me as long as she can, always plays with me, reads me fun stories, and always cooks me delicious things. Both our bento shop and sweet shop are having many great clients and mom is always smiling during her job. I also like how nice and red she looks when she kisses daddy"

Others nodded with smiles on their faces. Dark haired boy with a samurai knot sighed

"Told everyone that auntie Itsuwa is the best"

Almost all girls gave him flat looks.

"You say that because you are a sucker for boobs, Chousuke" Kenjou served a devastating comment. "Is it because your mom managed to artificially grow boobs at age of 10?"

"Huh? No, that's not it, I really like her personality, it's true... Kiseki? Liz? Kanari? Shizuka? M-Maybe you, Sei-chan?" the samurai knot, called Chousuke, looked around in hope. But all girls suddenly got really busy with their phones or hair." Come on, I am your half-brother! Does no one give me benefit of doubt?!"

Moving along, the elegant black haired boy named Kaizumi straightened up and spoke

"As for me, nothing eventful truly happened. Mom's rather busy between her jobs and inviting dad for dinners. As usual, it's boredom. It's almost laughable..."

"Maybe do my homework then..."

"Oh, mine too..."

"No! Just because my mom is a genius with position of Advisor to the Chairman, and I have slight prowess, doesn't mean that I will solve your every problem!"

"Oh, and Kai."Kiseki coughed to attract attention" Sorry for that last prank mom tried to pull on aunt Seria last time"

"Non taken. Stupidity of older generation will not affect our relationships" Kaizumi sighed" And also, it's nothing on what my mom did to get back on aunt Misaki later on"

Both he and Kiseki shivered, as next spoke the muscular guy named Ryoudo

"Not much with me either. Mom just launched new line of health cosmetics with help of auntie Rikuri and is also planning to attend another marathon." he said to the others."Oh, she also invites you to my place if anyone was interested."

"Well, this sounds like something rather than nothing if you ask me. Aunt Seiri is a fitness monster after all" answered Takami.

The small girl with bangs, called Sei-chan, whispered quietly to her neighbour, kimono girl named Shizuka

"Is it true that when daddy and auntie Seiri made Ryoudo, daddy couldn't move for 2 days after? "

Shizuka blushed and looked at younger girl

"N-No! I hope not...no, that didn't happen?! where did you hear that?!"

"Our turn..." blond girl, Elizabeth, tossed her hair while puffing her (flat) chest. Her sister sighed while rolling her eyes" Dawn Coloured-Sunlight expanded almost to 20 000 members. Mom is one of the greatest political figures not only in England, but in continental Europe too. We have the opportunity to meet and interact with many greats. And when she works with dad and uncle Mark, no one can truly oppose her greatness."

Girl with B.K initials on the hoodie snorted, and Elizabeth turned her head around sharply.

"Do you have anything to add, pads?!"

"Firstly, I don't have pads, flatty" the girl with greyish-black hair smirked at the blond" It's just seems out of place not to add that auntie Leivinia still mixes up 'my husband' and 'my brother' while speaking about dad. Oh, and is it true that she had to tie dad up on her dates?"

"L-Lies and slander! And if anyone would know things about tying up and forcing things, it's your mom!"

"Is it any way to talk to your older sister?!"

"Older my ass! You are only older because aunt Lessar could not keep her panties on any occasion!"

"Better than an arrogant tyrant that bosses people around and fires them for no good reason. I bet she only seduced dad so she could birth a heir to inherit the cabal." B.K girl got up and so did Liz until they were practically standing forehead to forehead.

"Huh?! How dare you! You have no idea how much mom actually loves dad and-"

"ENOUGH!"

Royoudo suddenly appeared and grabbed both girls' heads. They sweatdropped as Liz's twin sister, Mary, sighed.

"Why do you always do this? We are all siblings, so we shouldn't fight"

"Exactly. Just because aunties Leivinia and Lessar sometimes don't see eye to eye, don't move that into our generation. Besides, both them and you did some pretty great things while working together"

"But she started- OW!"

Roydou bumped their heads, not very strongly but enough for the girls to feel it and clench their foreheads.

"Now, sister, leave Tannia alone and go back" Mary grabbed Liz and promptly made her sit down.

"Ryoudo says that, but he is guarding Sei-chan like some guardian angel. Hypocrite"

"Okay then. Moving on... Miya? Tomoya?"

"Ehm, mom is travelling to fashion show in France and we hope she will get us something fun..." the raven haired girl began.

"Plus, she apparently booked super expensive restaurant for a dinner with dad and grandpa." added the boy

"Oh, you think your grandpa will get dad into Kongou aviation business?"

"Maybe. Grandma Minako always accepted dad, but grandpa was a little bit stubborn when it comes to the business. He would rather leave to mom only, but she insisted for dad to be included. Even if he doesn't actually want it all that much"

"Well, auntie Mitsuko loves dad a lot."

"True" Miya flashed a dreamy smile" All those years, and she feels as romantic as ever..."

"What she means that whenever mom kisses dad, it's like she devours his lips. Gross! And whenever she goes back from delegation, she practically pounces on him, until he can't breath!"

"Like I said, romantic!"

That's because you're just like mom... Well, the best thing is that we can fly anywhere we want on holidays. Speaking of flying, how is it going on your side, Tsubasa?"

"I did get my provisional pilot license... mom was a great help in understanding all those air currents."

"Auntie Hoshimi IS the best flyer in the family. I imagine it must be great to have a mom like that"

"Yeah, mom is great, but tends to be a little overwhelming... when I was smaller, she once lifted a bus with her power and put it back in front of our house just because I didn't manage to get in. She also always packs me a fork, even though I can use chopsticks just fine. But well... I don't want to get on her bad side. There is no escaping someone who can close and open doors without moving from the spot"

"Okay... Chousuke?"

"Mom is making progress in the studies of rare type of silkworm. She also encourages me to pursue entotherapy and supplies me with her own specimens. As for dad... he honestly doesn't know what to think of that, but he is still pretty supportive, I guess..."

"He is not the only one" the burgundy haired girl in school uniform shuddered" I can't possibly understand why you keep messing with those bugs. I will never forget that incident 3 years ago..."

"The one when my tarantulas found their way to female changing room? Kanari, it was one time and I apologized!"

"One of them was in my panties. I will never recover from this!"

"A-Anyway, I heard that Kaai found herself a great job" Kenjou addressed Chousuke, who nodded.

"That's true. She improves city's purification's systems. She does her job good... most of the time. As a payment, she gets access to the pool with impurities and does... things..."

"Okay, no one wants to know the details. Shizuka?"

"Well..." the kimono girl with dark brown hair falling down in cascades smiled at others" Mom is on cloud nine, because the anniversary of her engagement is drawing near"

"Oh yeah..." Kiseki smiled at her" auntie Hasako created a paradise of an island when she confessed her love for dad. Is she going to take him there?"

"If I could make something like that, I would make it snowy with lots of penguins..." Shishi mused, as conversation continued.

"Maybe, she didn't tell me, but all I can see she is happy beyond anything. There are always sunny skies and flower fields around the house, it's actually a bit embarrassing"

"Oh come on, now I am curious. Tsubasa?"

"Don't look at me, mom met with auntie Hasako recently, but her lips are sealed."

"Oh well, that's life I guess... Sei-chan?"

Silence stretched for a moment as the girl with bangs sank deeper into her chair.

"You don't have to tell us if you don't want to" Ryoudo said supportively, but the girl shook her head.

"Mom... published a book...recently... and my art got displayed... in district 9... art festival..."

"Oh, I know which one" Takami commented" Invisible Voice. I heard it's pretty popular with the ladies"

"Well, congratulations on qualifying for display on the festival too"

"T-Thanks..."

"Next. Kanari?"

Burgundy haired girl shrugged.

"Nothing impressive to tell. Mom was pretty busy with her work in foundation. She would probably like for me to work under her wing. But I was busy with Judgement work. Auntie Shirai works Anti-Skill to the bone so our supervisors are rather ruthless too."

"I heard that thanks to Ayu Foundation, number of young people trying to take their own lives significantly dropped."

"I guess... mom has personal experience with something like this and made it her mission to prevent others from trying. She is such a dork at home though that it's sometimes hard to believe that she prevents suicides. And of course, she completely forgets her tongue and bearings whenever dad is involved."

"Hahaha, that's true... Tannia?"

B.K girl sighed and uncrossed her legs

"As always, my mom found a new way to embarrass me. She came to parents meeting with just a towel on a lingerie and dared to argue that other parents can come in her work attire, so she came too. Thank god dad intervened."

"To be honest, auntie Lessar does amazing job. When she is not doing magic side jobs, she helps industries to design underwear and swimsuits for all females. They are finest quality too, I would like to actually have some" Kiseki tried to defend Lessar, with male part of gathering nodding eagerly.

"You wouldn't say that if you lived in a house that has sex traps in every corner. And who the hell names their child Britannia? I mean, I know that I was the culmination of mom's mission to sleep with dad and all of that, but seriously? I know that I am half british ... and honestly, I have nothing against UK but how much can you eat fish&chips?!"

"She says that, but she actually flirts a looooot~ The funniest fact is that she can't read damn hints too. Like a best rom-com protagonist ever" laughed Elizabeth.

"Shut up Liz! I can't help it, maybe it's in my DNA... but I think I need to keep searching for love to know I found true one! I know I will be more considerate than mom"

"But you also like to draw certain... questionable arts, don't you?"

"I said be quiet!"

"Well, love can really come from weirdest places" the readhead with dark blue eyes, named Angelo, voiced his opinion "After all, mom branched off the entire female congregation because she believed love she started to feel for dad cannot be evil since it actually brought her closer to teachings of the Lord. So she created her own version of catholic church... pretty much like Henry VIII did in the past"

"And how things are going for the agnesian order?"

"Well, mom is renovating the monastery in which we live, so she is in her commanding, sadist mode all over. Better do things right, cause it's fricking hard to avoid hits from Lotus Wand, I can tell from experience. Well, I know that she is under pressure, she is Grand Priestess of the Order after all but thank god aunt Lucia is there to help her with administration"

"And what about sister Angelene?"

"She is doing charity work and cooks for the poorest. She is really the best, always smuggling me snacks since I was little, even when other sisters scolded her for it. She should never change"

"It must be nice, live with so many girls and aunties" Shishi said, trying her best to imagine old monastery and sisters doing their chores.

Angelo scratched his head

"I can't really complain. I received nice treatment and every sister was always doting on me, maybe because I am a son of head of our church. Although I can't shake off the feeling that mom would prefer if I was a girl. It would make things a bit easier. It is a bit awkward to be a boy living among members of an all-female christian order. Well, the members can have children so I am not exactly the only guy, but we are very scarce minority. Good thing that when dad comes, he takes me here. When I go to school, I can talk to guys my age for once"

The others nodded in understanding.

"Alright then... Takami?"

The chestnut haired teen straightened up and spoke

"Mom is making progress in rehabilitation of some of our most affected patient."

"That's great. She always dreamed of helping patients with muscle dystrophy. Having electric power must come in handy for times like that"

"Well, that's true, although we had to install three separate generators because she keeps overloading them whenever dad goes to visit. Why is she still so shy around him even though they are together for years?!"

"Like you aren't any better with girls" Liz smiled smugly to him" You and pads are going to make a great team in matchmaking for one another"

"I DON'T PAD MY CHEST!" yelled Tannia. "Don't act so smugly only because you were asked out once before!"

"I remember when auntie Mikoto made sparks for us when we were kids" Kenjou smiled.

"And the time she lit up a light bulb in her mouth was so funny!" Shishi clapped her hand, remembering the comical scene.

"Although my mom also helped her" Kiseki smiled smugly" Not that either of them would admit that"

"Yeah, auntie Misaki was great help in limiting fear and encouraging them from psychological side of things. On that note, how is she doing, Kiseki? I heard complaints from mom and aunties that she is violating the agreement and monopolizes dad too much"

"Well, what can I say? She makes up for all the years through which she was forgotten and now she concentrates all of her effort in loving dad, vigorously and passionately... he doesn't mind though, as you see the result before your very eyes"

She pushed her bountiful chest forward, which caused it to bounce.

"How many years will she use this excuse?" Kaizumi deadpanned at his golden eyed half-sister.

"Forever, probably" she grinned, while giving a peace sign. "Hmm, I think that wraps up everyone except you, Kenjou onee-chan. How is your band and training going?"

"It's as good as it gets. I got some tips from aunt Arisa when she switched with Shutaura last time they were here. Band's getting some recognition, but we lost lead singer. I wonder who can fill that place..."

"Oh, seriously. You hear her? This again?" Shizuka sighed loudly, while Miya shook her head and added:

"You have wonderful voice. Such a deep, raspy, enchanting singing voice. Why do you get all red and flustered when you get praised for it? While not sing in addition to being a guitarist?"

"I-I-I am not g-good at all... y-you are my siblings, you can't really judge me!"

"On the contrary, I think we know you very well" protested Kaizumi

"I think... onee-chan... rocks" Sei-chan voiced her opinion timidly.

"I can arrange you an audition" Liz offered.

"Even our choirs in monastery can't hold a candle" Angelo added.

"Go for it, Kenjou!"

"Everyone, I think onee-chan is cooking herself alive" Shishi poked the rocker girl, who had her face hidden with only tips of red ears visible.

"You are all so god damn embarrassing!"

"So... what about kendo?"

Kenjou momentarily got serious.

"I got qualified to nationals. But mom..."

"Auntie Kaori never got easy on you, right?"

"Only because I asked for that! But I will be able to make her proud one day"

"Isn't she already proud? She purposely moved here to be able to watch your competitions and attended almost every single one. And dad never missed a concert of yours."

"Those fools... they even made those silly banners and cheered at me with them..."

"You only trying to be angry. You are aware that you're smiling, right?"

"Hmm, Kenjou nee-chan, I think it would be a good idea to incorporate your mom's old costume that she wore for dad into the show? Your views would skyrocket!"

"T-That maid thing from the closet?! I-I am not wearing that! No way in hell... although it's still better than when I came dressed for a washing machine on Halloween... and she dared say that I looked cute. In which world?"

"That wraps up everything. Oh, and speaking of Halloween, there are few hot news going on that you might want to hear" Kanari smiled before motioning to Kenjou" Drum roll, please!"

"I am a guitarist, not a-"

Yet Kenjou was too slow, as Shishi already filled in for her.

"Drrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr..."

Kiseki waited a few seconds, before shouting.

"Auntie Aradia is pregnant!"

Everyone around the table blinked in shock.

"Wow... this is a big news!" said Takami

"Wait... pregnant pregnant? Not like last 10 times when she was thinking she was pregnant from handholding and other 5 times when she thought she could have a baby from kissing?" Liz stood up, getting to where her half-sister was. Others followed shortly.

Kanari shook her head.

"Pregnant pregnant she is. Dad secretly filmed the video"

On the phone's screen, woman with very long silver hair caressed her small, yet already prominent baby bump, while humming a lullaby.

Then she looked at the camera, before reddening and opening her lips in a beginning of a scream before video cut.

"Wow... that's so cool. Is it a boy or a girl?"

"It was hard to tell because USG was blurry but we will know before long."

"What about names?"

"Emm... she thinks of Viccania or Goetia if it was a girl... as for the boy names..."

"Oh god, we have to stop her. Even if she is a Witch Goddess, she can't name a child like that!"

"Anyway, that means auntie Bologna won't be able to make fun of her anymore"

"Yeah... she was flying to Aradia's room and playing 'Can you feel the love tonight?' to piss her offbefore she had to flee from Triple Reload."

"Well, Bologna is a league of her own when it comes to seduction. She and dad got around. Even your mom kneels before her, Tannia"

"Please..." Lessar's daughter shivered" don't mention my mom and kneeling in one sentence. Just... don't."

"Another news is that auntie Orsola adopted another child. She joined strength with unlce Ollerus so they can search for those poor kids faster"

"Wow, how many does it make now? Dad keeps coming to help her, but I can't be easy"

"I think it's 30 right now. But if anyone can give them love and run orphanage properly, it's her. And if anyone can give her love strong enough to carry on, it's dad. They can communicate without words, I tell you"

"Third news is... Melzabeth Grocery is getting ready to leave her company to aunt Helcalia... aaaand... some say she wants her to hook up with dad, too"

"Really?! I mean, aunt Hecalia had a crush on dad ever since he was visiting her in childhood and Melzabeth was really setting this marriage... but it's nothing official, right? Did they dad said something?"

"Not much, he keeps it as a secret. Actually, we know this all from aunt Sozty. She is a bit pissed on Helcalia getting out of nowhere to get dad. Although both of them kind of got a crush and have indian roots. Maybe that's the reason for jealousy. Okay, and for the final news... Leo and Kira are inviting us all to Windsor Castle!"

"Really?! What a cool brother he is!" Miya got stars in her eyes, as she spun around" I will have to choose what to take for a ball dress!"

"I am cool too..." muttered her twin" I literally helped dad to make dance room in mom's summer home..."

"Is it okay for us to just come?"

"Well, we are their family. And besides, when your grandma, former english queen, requests a party, then a party it is. Elizard is super old, but she still can dance better than many youngsters"

Suddenly, doors burst opened and in came running dark haired boy with magenta purple eyes. His features were delicate and some could even said that he was a bit effeminate.

"Haruto onii-chan!"

"Where is the cutest sister in the world?!" he shouted, picking smiling Shishi up" Happy birthday! Sorry for being late but mom had to pick few people up"

"Oh come on, blame it on poor old Kaibi. I raised you better than that!"

A very fashionable woman in a long shimmering dress, big bust and cascading (bleached) blond hair stepped behind.

"Mom, you are anything but old"

"Your smoothtalking doesn't work on me, mister. Put her down before-"

"Where is the birthday girl?!"

Another woman, who looked like shorter version of Kaibi zoomed with slightly more modest yet still considerable breasts snatched Shishi into the air.

"Happy, happy, happy, happy birthday to youuuuuuuuuuuu!"

"A-A-A-Auntie Amazora, I am getting diiiiiizyzyzyzyzy..."

Kaibi sighed and snapped her fingers.

"Chousuke-kun, can you come here?"

As the boy approached, older woman took out a wrapped box

"As you know, Rikuri's pregnancy is in final phase and she couldn't really come. She got the present... but..."

"It's something toxic again?"

"Precisely. She means well, but she totally sucks at finding safe presents for that age. The point is, I found a substitute to it, so can you give this one to your mom? Youen and Kaai will know what do with something like this"

"No problem"

"Oh, everyone else is here too!" shouted Shishi.

"We would have been here faster" said chestnut haired woman, dressed in dress with green frogs on it "if some fatty wouldn't take so time deciding on the perfumes..."

She addressed voluptuous women with starry eyes and golden eyes, who scoffed back.

"Only because unlike you, I can dress for the occasion. What is this, a kindergarten?"

"My patients love Gekota. You keep being late on busses to work because you still can't run for more than 50 meters!"

"Okay, if we agreed that Mental Out sucks..." said a voice belonging to another elegant black haired woman, wearing black pantyhose and white fur coat.

"HEY!"

"...we can begin. Kai, did you behave well?"

Touma, watching it all unfold, noticed more and more woman flooding the room. He recognized long red hair of Agnese Sanctis, who was dressed in a robe of some kind, Oriana Thomson who somehow wore even more revealing clothes, Kumokawa Seria (in a fur coat), Kanzaki Kaori, who still wore the same asymmetric jeans, Itsuwa, who got slightly longer hair combined with indigo jumper adorned with purple stars, the slim woman wearing traditional yukata in which he recognized Hasako, Kongou Mitsuko with curtain of jet black hair falling on very sensual body covered in fashionable clothes. He also saw Maidono, Fukiyose, Himegami, and many others, from each of the sides, magic and science.

Including...

"Aunt Index!" multiple voices cried out, as the woman in white robes and long silver hair smiled at them.

"Hi everyone!"

"We thought you won't come. You are Archbishop now!"

"I got invited and asked Dion to fill in. She gave me the position when she stepped down but it's not like she can't do it anymore. Besides, I feel like people are more at ease when I only smile and wave. People kind of fear my grimoires, you know. And all of that work is making me incredibly hungry"

"Auntie, you are always hungry! And we rationing your food now!"

"Eeeeh?! What a mean thing to do! Last time, I didn't realize that I ate entire table-worth, but it was accidental, honestly. Hmm, who are we waiting for?"

The answer arrived not very long after.

"Man, you look great" Sogiita Gunha, arriving together with Hokaze Junko (who dashed over to greet Misaki), gave thumbs up to Stiyl Magnus.

"Tsuchimikado, I just want to say, I hate you from the bottom of my heart and detest the day our paths first cross" Stiyl growled, wearing big pink apron with words "World's Best Uncle" in black cursive.

"That's the spirit. Now, let's get some barbecuing done! Oi, there is a queue of your sisters, Railgun, waiting to greet the birthday girl"

"Well, we can't keep them waiting. Come on, honey" Itsuwa smiled as she and Shishi walked towards the door, passing by another, entering group.

"We are not late, are we? Sorry everyone, but I had to be careful with Rikou now..." Hamazura greeted everyone, helping his wife, with prominent signs of pregnancy sit down.

"Are you sure that you should be here? Rikuri nee-chan stayed home..." Kaibi voiced her concern.

"I appreciate it, but her pregnancy is more advanced than mine. I will be fine if I be still" Rikou calmed everyone down.

"And we all know that you are good at that." Kinuhata patted her friends head, before addressing Mugino Shizuri who was standing with her arms crossed" Come on Mugino, aren't children just fun?"

"I know what you are about to say, Kinuhata. Drop it"

"Mugino here made countless advances on certain someone... and they actually got together in a passionate romance... but she still hesitates to you know... gave stork a delivery to the pumpkin patch... OW!"

Mugino clobbered her with fist, the metal one, before sighing and turning around.

"Someone like me doesn't deserve to be a mother"

"While they may be valid reason, it's no reason to torment yourself. I know you feel like you are missing out. It's far from to late Mugino. Just speak with him. You know him, he will not laugh at you and you might get something you never dreamed off" Hamazura smiled at Mugino.

She looked to the ground awkwardly, but also reincorporated the smile, however thinly.

"Hey, everyone! We will hook this up for uncle Accelerator to be on a transmission together with Sozty and Shutaura. Will you help me?"

(MEANWHILE)

As Touma took in more and more people in the party, he could help but feel completely lost.

"What... is this..."

"Pretty nice, huh?" he heard a voice.

He jumped when he noticed Nephthys and Niang-Niang standing by his side.

"What... you can see me"

"Of course. After all, we gave you this vision. But I think it's time for you to wake up"

And just as she said that, Touma did wake up. His mind was unusually clear and working at fast pace, when he looked up.

To no one's surprise, both goddesses were still there.

"What... was that?" Touma repeated his question

"You didn't figure that out yet?" Nephthys smiled at him

"Was that the future? And those kids... they were really siblings?"

"Just siblings? Nothing else?"

"He still... doesn't realize... who their father is?! I can't... Nephthys, I can't... tell him please, before I'll pee myself from laughing too much..." Niang-Niang wheezed, covering her mouth.

"All in due time. Kamijou, we showed you this. Do you happen to know why?"

Touma shook his head.

"Everything about this confuses me. If those children had one father, then their ages are all over the place. Also, so many children... many wives aside, who would have that many...it must be someone very popular with the girls..."

"Nephthys, I am going to suffocate from laughter... this guy can't be serious..."

"This is not what you think. Niang-Niang here was pretty busy. What you saw there was the effect of her doings"

"What do you mean?"

"They weren't originally in group like that, those kids" the Shijie-Xian explained" Using my powers, I consolidated, or fused, multiple phase timelines into one, coherent timestream, and one unitary phase. Some psychological manipulation here, reality warping there, and we have consolidated, hidden phase. Voila!"

"Right... but this still doesn't answer my question. Why?"

"Two reasons. Firstly, we did it for you. For you to see possibility of the future you can achieve with our assistance. Secondly, this is a warning. If your foe from within, the one you spoke with dragons about, will succeed, this time he won't be reaching for your life alone. He will use others around you and will tear through phases to claim everything he considers his. He won't stop, even when it comes to using the lives of those children and women."

"That's crazy... he doesn't have that kind of power! Besides, I thought there can't be separate versions of me. Imagine Breaker is affixed to me and it makes me a reference point of reality. So how can it be?"

"When it comes to first question, I am sure you realize that he grew in power since last time you saw him. If he manages to control the forces dwelling within the depths of that right hand, he might be able to do things you cannot imagine. This is why you began your training"

"What... training? I was just swallowed and it didn't make any difference!"

"Oh, trust me" Niang-Niang licked her lips, while polishing a knife in her Pao-Pei" you will feel it when you lose your arm next time"

"I-I would rather not lose it again..."

"Funny we are talking about losing arms, because there is a way for you to temporary exist in multiple phases, although Imagine Breaker can't be fooled forever. Answering your second question, it involves splitting you and reintegrating you afterwards... though some elements to do so have to be acquired. Like that friend of yours, Ayu-san" Nephthys explained.

"I am still rather lost..."

"Well, we don't really have to get into details now."

"Fine, fine, it's all well and good. But how does it link with me? What would he want from those children if that bastard wants to get lives and people connected with me"

Niang-Niang started to laugh so hysterically that she fell down to the floor.

"He still...I can't, I just can't... Neph, you tell him, I will see you around..."

And with a flash, she was gone.

"Are you familiar with the concept of presque vu? It means having something on tip of the tongue, but not knowing quite what it is. You had similar experience while watching them, right?"

"!"

"Okay then..." Nephthys leaned over him with a smile" How about a mindblowing concept: What if, be careful not to faint, those children are related to you?"

Touma stared. Stared. And stared some more.

Before laughing almost as loudly and hysterically as Niang-Niang. Come to think of it, it was strange that none of the people sleeping in the apartment woke up. He guessed that Nephthys did something to prevent that, as Index snored on the bed without a care.

"That was a good one... with my misfortune, I didn't get a laugh that good in a long time. I am sorry Nephthys, but this is simply ridiculous. Me, being related to those kids? That would imply that I am their... their..."

"You can't even say it, can you? Why is the thought so difficult to accept?"

"First of all, I am an average guy on verge of poverty with a worst luck in the universe. Who would want someone like that? What kind of mother would want to have their daughters be with me?"

(ELSEWHERE)

Out of nowhere, a mighty sneeze echoed through the throne room in Buckingham Palace.

"Bless you, your majesty!"

Aside from the guards' blessing, Elizard's sneeze made Knight Leader raise an eyebrow at the eccentric queen.

"Are you well, my liege?"

"Of course I am, who do you think you are talking to? in fact, I feel like this was a sneeze of good fortune. And you wasted the opportunity to say "God bless the Queen', such perfect wordplay."

"You really think of silliest things, I swear..."

Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, a much more dainty sneeze was heard as Melzabeth Grocery stopped her coding work. Afterwards, he smiled to Helcalia to reassure her that everything was fine.

Misaka Misuzu, Kongou Minako, and some other mothers all around the globe succumbed to sneezing in that single moment

(BACK WITH TOUMA)

"Secondly, there is just no way for someone like me to achieve something like this. This is simply not possible!"

"Would you like it to be?" Nephthys asked him" I noticed how happy you were when you looked at them... even though all of them in one place was Niang-Niang's doing, isn't that what you want? Those happy days you fight for? Look at me, Kamijou Touma..."

They stared into each other's eyes, pyramid ornaments in Nephthys' silvery white hair clattering ever so slightly in the nonexistent breeze. Touma watched as her eyes shone in the darkness of the bedroom, their heterochromic glow reminding him of sun and moon.

"There are people out there who love you. Do you think people will be driven away and you have no chance for love? I am sure I am not the first one to tell you this, and maybe not the most suited one since I lack understanding of how humans handle things, but those bonds you have are something that won't be tarnished easily. There are many people who want to see you happy"

She sighed and tilted her head, smiling slightly.

"The truth is the truth. But since you insist of not believing for now, let's assume that your darker side seeks those kids and their families for some nefarious reasons known only to him. My question is: Will you help them?"

This time, Touma didn't hesitate

"Of course. No matter my connection to them, I would save them. But... how?"

"By dealing with one you called emanation of Imagine Breaker, Kamijou no Touma. His power grew exponentially and his full motives are still unknown. But you have allies who can help you a lot. Me, Niang-Niang, or those sisters together with grimoire library"

"Kaibi and the others can... help me?"

"You can call it whatever you want, but it's a blessing that you met them again. They can save you from yourself and help you rescue not only your home phase, but many others."

"How... would we do that?"

"Be with them, trust your feelings towards them, and the answers will come I promise. There are enough chapters left in this story to achieve just that"

"You just can't stop giving me riddles, can you?"

Nephthys giggled and looked at the sky outside.

"Well, I will be going. But we shall see each other soon. Oh... and aren't you curious? About what you and me might be doing there?"

"Well, in the future I hope our relations will still be as good as-"

"No, no, no... I meant, about my input in that group of children we saw"

"In...put?"

She lifted his chin with her slender brown finger and leaned over to whisper into his ear

"Your naive innocence is honestly endearing... for now, let's say that I am saving the best for last when it comes to us..."

"N-Nephthys, what are you not telling me?"

"Intrigued, huh? Spoilers..."

She closed her eyes and turned into mist, smelling like myrrh and sandalwood, just as her lips were about to touch Touma's skin.

The boy sat there for a while, until he heard knocking. Opening his bedroom's door, he noticed Kaibi, who was rubbing her still sleepy eyes on the doorstep.

"I thought I heard someone... so I came to check if everything is fine..."

"Thanks, that means a lot..."

They looked at each other, and suddenly Touma began to ask

"Kaibi-san, would you... if I was..."

"Yes?" Kaibi's attention was picked up, but Touma hesitated, before trying to escape back into his room.

"No, never mind, I had a stupid thought, but ultimately..."

"Wait..." Kaibi grabbed his arm" Something is bothering you, right? Please, don't turn away from me"

Touma stopped and didn't say anything for couple more moments. Until finally...

"If I tell you I could be facing an obstacle I may not be able to cross... and there is no benefit in getting yourself involved in it... would you help me?"

Kaibi looked at him before chuckling slightly and shaking her head

"It really took a toll for you to ask for it, right? Well, here is my answer..."

Suddenly, Touma felt himself getting enveloped by a tight hug.

"I realize by now that being with you means facing something beyond my capabilities and skills. But Gokusai Kaibi is not someone who gives up without trying... that almost never happens. So I would never abandon you, even if it means we will lose"

"B-But..."

"Of course, you are right. I am not the type to do things for free. But to be fair and honest, you paid more than enough. You gave my sisters happiness, on top of saving them. You helped me discover feelings that make me feel alive again, and stayed to support me as I find my true self. You did plenty for our family... for me. So this is not even a question, you moron. It's a statement: That I, Gokusai Kaibi, will help you in any way I can, just like that"

"Just like that?"

"Some idealistic idiot of a hero said to me once that he doesn't need a reason to save others. Sounds familiar? Feel grateful cause you get a special treatment and this regard. Also, this aside, you are a great hugger."

'And a kisser, but my heart is not ready to tell you in those circumstances'

Touma exhaled, before putting his arms around her. And after a few seconds...

Kaibi felt her skin crawl when a wet droplet hit her bare back.

She looked surprised, but only for a moment.

Kaibi couldn't truly use Measure Heart on Kamijou. But even without it, the distance between their hearts decreased through words and conviction of that girl.

In Touma's head, echoed Nephthys' words

'There are many people who want to see you happy'

Both Kaibi's words and what he saw in goddesses' vision made his emotions flow freely.

Gokusai Kaibi took tears flowing down Kamijou's cheeks as all of the response she needed.

She didn't call him melodramatic or became irritated. That only showed as how much they grew in their relationship.

Instead, she put her head on him, trying to give as much feeling of comfort as she could.

(IN THE MORNING)

Amazora and Touma were panting heavily while laying on the floor.

"Did you really have to draw whiskers on Stiyl? He really isn't the type for pranks..."

"Well... I know that now, onii-chan..."

Morning came with loud and angry roar as Stiyl discovered a new cat-like details on his face. Amazora considered it hilarious, but soon changed her mind as quite a few fire balls were thrown at her. Touma was there to cancel them out but everyone still got very tired.

Finally, fuming Stiyl left accompanied with Kanzaki, as he was going to be late for plane to England. The Saint decided to stay in the city for some time more, so she promised to return later that day. Meanwhile, Index was still deeply asleep, presumably recovering from jet-lag. Othinus woke up alongside Touma and was currently bathing in her teacup within the bathroom.

Kaibi and Rikuri left for high school and college respectively. And as much as Touma and Amazora wanted to do the same, they were still recovering from the chase Stiyl gave them.

After the emotions of last night, and previous day's reunion with Index, Touma could surely take a break in a form of a calm, peaceful day.

Right...

Because suddenly...

There was a knocking on the door. Loud knocking.

Touma groaned and managed to walk to the door, almost reaching it, when...

"Kamijou, respecting your privacy, I am knocking..."

That voice. He knew that voice. But what was she doing here?

"... but asserting my natural dominance over you, I am coming in anyway!"

The door was blasted into his face as he was momentarily squashed underneath, with only his face and hands sticking out.

There was an elegant sound of high heels clicking, as inside (and onto the fallen door) stepped Leivinia Birdway. Hiding her wooden wand, she gave Touma a haughty look while still pressing the door down.

"Hmm, that's better."

"Birdway? What are you doing here?"

"Aren't you happy to see me? I was just flying by in the interest of the cabal and thought... why not do something together? Fine tools need usage to not rust..."

"No strings attached? No manipulation? This isn't like you"

"I had a certain change of heart" Birdway smiled sweetly" And after reconsidering how much we know each other, and how our relations are strategic to the cabal, I thought we can go somewhere... just the two of-"

"Who is that girl?!"

Birdway slowly turned, noticing Amazora, who was standing with her fists clenched.

Leivinia glared at sweaty looking skin, and Amazora's generally messy appearance. Her blue eyes then glared at Touma.

"What is the meaning of this? What exactly were you doing here? ANSWER ME!"

'Wow, scary! She was rather cute seconds ago, so why did the temperature dropped now? She is looking at me as if I was some trash on the ground'

"Onii-chan, is that girl an enemy?!" Amazora cried out.

Birdway looked at her and then burst out laughing.

"What's so funny?!"

"No, it's just... forgive me, I must have misheard at. After all, I am not from around here... but it almost sounded like you were calling him "older brother". Obviously, you made a mistake"

"And why would I? Onii-chan is onii-chan!"

"Oh, I see. Then allow me to illuminate you on something, kid..." Leivinia slowly marched just in front of Amazora and slowly, mockingly, vocalized her thought "There is only one person in that room who has a right to call herself that. And it's certainly not some random kindergartener who thinks wearing a dress like this makes her an adult. He is involved with me and my group. And no one steals from me, ever"

Amazora smiled thinly.

"Oh, are you saying that you are his younger sister?"

"Do you see any other female in the room, genius?! Kamijou, this maybe a rhetorical and insensitive question, but is she okay in the head?!"

"I like your jokes, door kicking girl. They are almost funny. But there is one problem. I am onii-chan's little sister"

"I missed the part in which I should care about your feelings and delusions, brat"

"Is that so? Is there a reason why you are dressed as a piano? I guess I will play you... I didn't catch your name"

"Leivinia Birdway. That's my name, make sure to remember it before I humiliate you. I would ask for your name but it doesn't really matter all that much since I will squish you under my foot anyway, miss whatever"

"Gokusai Amazora. Remember this name when I kick you out for saying such stupid lies."

"You realize that this wouldn't be much of a fight? More like a one way slaughter"

"You shouldn't put yourself down like this, Birdie-san. Don't worry, I sure you have some potential, no matter how small it may be."

"Worry? Why should I worry about someone who is obviously weaker than me?"

"You really are too much..."

"Thanks, it's an inborn charm..."

Birdway started to giggle. Amazora smiled and began to chuckle as well, and soon after, both girls were laughing.

However the laughter didn't match their eyes.

In one swift motion, both wand and gattling gun (hanging near the entrance to the living room) were grabbed and pointed at one another.

"A gun? You know that won't work on someone with my prowess?"

"I am counting on it, I wouldn't want to defeat you too quickly. Is that a stick?"

"Your tiny brain wouldn't comprehend what it actually is. And even if it did, I don't need anything more than a stick to compete with like of you."

Two girls narrowed their eyes, as they readied their weapons for confrontation.

But...

"STOP!" Touma, finally managing to get from under the door, and between the angry girls "What's wrong with you two? As far as I know, you didn't meet each other before, so why are you getting so angry about?! Amazora, Birdway is someone I know for quite some time now. She is my ally... most of the time. And now she is also our guest. You can't just attack her!"

Birdway stuck her tongue at youngest Gokusai before Touma turned back to her.

"And you, Birdway. Amazora is my roommate and this is her home as well. You are one of the most intelligent people I know, so what's got into you?! Can't we talk about this?"

Birdway couldn't help but feel her cheeks getting tinged with rosy pink as he heard that praise. However, she glared at smug Amazora with caution

'Roommates, huh? Did I underestimate her? Seems like I will have to put heavy artillery on this one'

"Fine... let's do it your way for once. Let's... talk..."

(10 MINUTES LATER)

'I know I said we can sit down and talk but this is... eeeh...'

As Touma sat down, his right arm was being held by Leivinia Birdway, while left was similarly occupied by Gokusai Amazora.

The girls were rather petite, but in combination with the murderous auras they emanated, one could think that two demons possessed bodies of the most furious chihuahuas on earth. Not that Touma would tell them that, he valued his life too much.

Still...

'This looks bad... how do I get out of this and please both of them?' he thought in desperation, as the grasp from both sides tightened, alongside almost tangible electricity between glances of two newfound rivals.

(TO BE CONTINUED...)

And... I believe I owe certain explanations to you.

You could be mildly surprised by the sudden appearance of sudden wave of characters. There is a good reason for them to be there. In moments like this, many people usually stress out about original characters completely overshadowing the canon ones. Do not be afraid, this will not take place here, at least I don't plan for it too. Those characters have a role to play, more symbolic than anything, but the story is still majorly located in the present.

Firstly, I admit, it was always my great desire to write coherent, unified Kamijou family if he got many children from multiple waifu routes. It just seemed so full of potential. Also, I think no one ever attempted it before, at least on such scale. There is always a certain risk in being first in everything and even greater one in doing so by using original characters. But I went with my heart and gave my take on new generation. As it is obviously non-canon, it just as right as it is wrong, but I hope it will serve the story some good (don't worry, this 'future world' trope won't overshadow everything else) I didn't have all that much space to flesh out every single one of those characters, but I did my very best and supplemented mini-bios below. If you take it from a distance and just have fun, I hope you will come to like them.

Secondly, the future phase is a final element connected with Kamijou No Touma plot point. We have:

1) Search for Ayu

2) Rikuri's mysterious phonecall

3) So called Touma plotline, which consists of:

a) Kamijou No Touma- The enemy

b) Dragons- Way to train and fight him

c) 'Future phase' - Some of the major stakes in the conflict.

This pretty much wraps up all the major plotlines in the story and from now on, we will see each of them continue and follow to the end of the story. Gokusai sisters will be invloved in all of them, although differently in each individual plotline.

Some time ago, I was asked if I am going to do a harem ending. I don't know yet, I am considering writing routes. But you may ask, is the introduced future not harem?

Yes and No, it's rather complex. For two reasons: her own amusement and utility in fighting Kamijou No Touma (it would be better to defend one phase than dozens) Niang-Niang fused multiple timelines into one and created a new phase, making everyone believe that this was how things were from the beginning. And in a way, it was a very well-meant deception, that just turned into something that is de facto a harem. So in truth, those are multiple singular routes with one winner fused into one where everybody wins and children are all together. The result is the same, but way to get there is truly different. I was inspired by how Othinus changed the world and how there are some clearly distinct phases, like Hidden World of Magic Gods was. Presumably, the idea of parallel timelines and phases came into my mind because I am busy (or I should be busy!) with writing a paper on possible worlds, alternate realities, and their connections to literary fiction.

A word about why Index and Orsola were not showed to have kids with Touma. I thought about it and decided that not everyone could be like Agnese and rebel against celibacy, and that if Touma were in a relationship with those two, he would love them dearly but respected their vows of purity. That is the case especially for Orsola.

I would also like to take the opportunity to mention that as far as this story is concerned, in each timeline Touma got with respective wife when they were both above 20. So no need to worry about age gaps and so on. So far, I think the biggest age gap here is with Youen (6 years) and Rimea (15 years), but in adulthood, those things are merely matter of different needs and values, not legal matter.

Another thing, if any character wasn't mention to have a possible timeline with Touma, they may have one, I just didn't write it (they should be assumed to be ther). Don't get me started on the Sisters. There is no way to write over 9000 timelines in one coherent phase :)

Here are bios, so you don't have to strain your mind and remember who is whose child. Also, this serves as something to get some more info about original characters imagined in my mind. They might be expanded later on:

Kamijou Shiina Tsushima, also known as ShiShi (上条 詩菜 対馬)- Daughter of Itsuwa. She has many physical features similar to her mother, including hair colour (albeit in itself, it's much longer and untamed) and double eyelids. However, many similarities to her father are also present in her behaviour. Named after Touma's mother and Itsuwa's good friend, Tsushima. Abbreviated to "Shishi" from parts of both names and for her cheerful personality. Shishi is very naive, carefree, and bright girl, who is also eager to help her family in any way she can, but usually overdoes things and makes a mess. However, her kindness and cheerful demeanor, combined with cute look, made her very likeable with most of people who met her. She is extremely emotional and pure, but occasionally displays mischievous tendencies taught her by Amakusans, who adore her and made her mascot of sorts. It takes a lot to truly anger Shishi but when she does get mad, she is unyieldingly loyal towards her family, even against people who are clearly stronger.

Kamijou Kenjou (上条 剣女王)- Daughter of Kanzaki Kaori. Name means "Queen of Swords/Sword Queen". Rather tall for her age, she is slim, has dark eyes and black hair, that is naturally straight, but she spikes it with gel similarly to the hairstyle of her father. Kenjou is laid back, adventurous, and brave, being considered popular yet also unapproachable when it comes to opposite sex. She greatly admires her mother and takes intensive kendo classes to match her skill, even though in actuality she has no chance to match Saint stats. Kenjou's true talent is music and she is an excellent guitarist. Although she possess a very good singing voice, she considers herself not good enough when it comes to singing and gets incredibly flustered on the mention of it. She usually adapts rebellious attitude towards her dad, but in truth, she loves whenever he has time for her or praises her.

Kamijou Kaizumi (上条 貝積)- Son of Kumokawa Seria, named after Seria's long time benefactor and boss, Kaizumi Tsugutoshi. Obsessively precise and elegant, he inherited his mother's great intellect, but at the same is rather passive in his behaviour and does not like to engage in anything that he deems uninteresting. Kaizumi hates being labelled as genius, but ultimately helps people in need when they had any sort of intellectual problem, as solving them makes him feel accomplished. He took a liking to Shokuhou Misaki, his aunt, to the anguish of Seria, who remained Misaki's rival even in adulthood.

Kamijou Ryodou (上条 力途)- Son of Fukiyose Seiri. Name means "Way of Strength". Fittingly, he is endowed with great physical prowess and strength, that he uses to calm his many siblings down. Despite this strength, Ryodou is surprisingly gentle and intuitive, preferring to talk about things before using power. He is a great enjoyer about stories about his father's youth and often imagines himself in those situations. Ryodou is greatly affectionate and protective of daughter of Himegami Aisa, Sei-chan, partially because of deep friendship linking their mothers.

Elizabeth "Liz" Kamijou, Mary Kamijou (上条 エリザベス/上条 メアリー)- Twin daughters of Leivinia Birdway, born 10 minutes apart from each other. Like their mother and aunt, they are almost physically identical. Elizabeth is sharp-tongued and devious, combing skills of Touma and Leivinia to create smooth-talking, intelligent, and determined girl with great sense of cynical humour. She enjoys various rivalaries and competitions. Mary is more soft-spoken and diplomatic, resembling her dad and aunt Patricia. She is also very popular with her classmates thanks to her helpful nature. To manifest their independence, one sister took on study of magic, while the other became an esper. Liz often bickers with Tannia, just like their mothers.

Kamijou Miya (上条 美輻, lit. Beautiful Radiance) Kamijou Tomoya (上条 友夜), loosely: Friend of the Night) - Brother and sister, dizygotic twins of Kongou Mitsuko. Loved very much by both parents and taught by both of them, they have both the riches and understanding of the common world. Miya inherited not only Mitsuko's beauty, but her passion to make friends. She also gets into various situations through random accidents, similarly to her father. Tomoya has the habit of bragging about his influence which usually backfires at him in comical way. Even so, he is also very generous and loves both his sister and other siblings dearly, even though he is a bit embarrassed to admit it out loud. He is close with Tsubasa and supports his dreams of being a pilot.

Kamijou Tsubasa (上条 翼)- Son of Maidono Hoshimi. His names comes from the fact that Maidono dubbed herself Touma's 'wings' (jap. tsubasa). Tsubasa is aspiring to be a pilot one day, influenced by his mother's ability to fly. He is very hardworking and straightforward, being diligent despite all odds. He has a small complex regarding being average, something that he argues about with his dad. Tsubasa is close with Tomoya, who helps him with his aerial dreams through influence in Kongou airlines, and Shizuka, because how close Maidono and Hasako remain in adulthood.

Kamijou Chousuke (上条 蝶介)- Son of Hanatsuyu Youen. His name means "Son of butterfly". He is supporting his mother in her research concerning vermin, and developed particular use of insects in a form of behavioural therapy. He is more of a straight man for her mother and aunt's antics and keeps them in line if they get out of control. He enjoys women with big boobs, but is sensitive about being called a pervert, insisting that his preferences don't make him any less of a gentleman. Chousuke's passion is creating various, unorthdox inventions with help with his knowledge of insects.

Kamijou Shizuka (上条自然歌), read as Song of Nature)- Daughter of Kankyougami Hasako. She is a very elegant, kind, and generous young woman. Shizuka is often the voice of reason and calm amongst her siblings and is considered very attractive not only for her looks but also for the modest and serene personality. She adores her siblings, but is usually an introvert with a passion for natural photography, travelling the hills and beaches to capture animals and landscapes. She enjoys close contact with other members of the family and sometimes aids them in regular life.

Kamijou "Sei-chan" Seiri (上条 制理)- Daughter of Himegami Aisa, nicknamed Sei-chan to differentiate from Fukiyose Seiri, who was the source of her given name. Sei is a very quiet, timid, and morbidly insecure about the smallest of things. Contrary to her mother, she doesn't really like too much attention. Although she doesn't fancy when people watch her, she does enjoy people appreciating her work. She likes to paint and some of her works got recognized in Academy City's competitions. She is very close with Ryoudo, who is always helpful and overprotective when it comes to her.

Britannia "Tannia" Kamijou (上条 ブリタニア)- Daughter of Lessar, considered a non-blood related niece to other members of New Light. She is half british, half japanese. Often embarrassed by her mother's over the top perverted antics or great love for UK, she strives to have a normal, romantic love. She is considered very cute but is terrible at taking hints once someone manages to read her own signals, resembling her father's denseness with romantic life. Tannia is very mature about intimacy and doesn't take perverted jokes lightly, although in all her prim and proper behaviour, she enjoys drawing art meant for adult audiences, not noticing the irony in the situation. Despite differing personalities, Tannia acknowledges good sides of Lessar as mother, saying that despite her childishness, her affection and personality also made her childhood extremely fun and happy period.

Kamijou Kanari (上条 叶理)- Daughter of Mitsuari Ayu. Named after the tragically deceased caretaker of Ayu and other girls from IDEAL lab. Kanari is very self-conscious about her looks, and uses the cosmetics Rikuri and Fukiyose make in adulthood. She aspires to be a school idol, but she often lacks necessary grace and is often clumsy. Albeit her family founds it endearing, Kanari always works to perfect herself, not only on physical way. Because of this striving for perfection, she also volounteers for Judgement work. Kanari has the tendency to draw people close to herself, but sometimes has to rebuild her relations because of her weakness to gossip and finding interesting news about others. Kanari is very fond and proud of her mother's relationship with her dad and often demonstrates it.

Kamijou Kiseki (上条奇跡) - Daughter of Shokuhou Misaki. Named after a miracle (jap. kiseki) that was Shokuhou Misaki being remembered again. Kiseki is amicable, extroverted and flirty girl, who inherited lots of her mother's mannierisms, as well as her prominent chest. However, she is much more fit and has great sense of humour, combining with great distance to herself. Kiseki enjoys the company of children and often helps, volunteering in kindergartens. She was also very involved in spending time with her younger half-siblings when they were younger. Kiseki is rather spoiled by Misaki who considers her "precious miracle" and someone that reminds me just how much she loves Kamijou Touma.

Angelo Kamijou (アンジェロ上条) - Son of Agnese Sancits. After she realized her feelings for Touma, Agnese rebelled against celibacy tradition, claiming that love that brought her closer to God cannot be evil. She established her own christian female order, known as the agnesians. Being born into the order, Angelo was unsure if he fits in and felt that Agnese would prefer if he was a female. He was a notorious troublemaker trying to gain attention of other nuns, which ended in conflicts with Lucia, responsible for his education. He travels between monastery and Academy City. Growing around females, he is rather awkward around males except his dad and brothers.

Kamijou Takami (上条鷹視)- Son of Misaka Mikoto. He is prodigious student but has tendency in getting into fights due to short temper and intolerance for injustice inherited from both of his parents. With chestnut hair and dark grey eyes, he is said to resemble his maternal grandfather, Tabigake, when he was young. Takami got invested in magic side, falling in love with magic when he witnessed Magic Gods' reality warping as a child. He is bent on pursuing path of magic, even without certainty where it will lead him. He is always happy to set out any romantic scenario between his parents and is adept in stopping Mikoto's tsundere outbursts.

Kamijou Haruto (上条 晴人)- Son of Gokusai Kaibi, named after maternal grandfather. Haruto has a very delicate look, that some might deem not very manly, but is also very popular with the ladies of all ages. He is very skilled in manipulating others to his advantage and reading the social cues, able to smoothtalk and charm people into doing his bidding. Although he is usually a trickster with a bad habit of gambling and taking bets, he is very generous when it comes to his family, especially younger sisters, and finds time for them even if it means skipping classes. The only people who Haruto can't trick in his family are his parents, Elizabeth, and Kaizumi. Haruto enjoys very close bonds with maternal aunts, Amazora and Rikuri, who are one of the reasons for his carefree behaviour. However, underneath the mask of ladies man and gambler, Haruto hides many insecurities and fears, that he doesn't want to have exposed.

Not fully present, but mentioned:

Leonard "Leo" William Windsor-Kamijou (レナールド ウィリアム ウィンザー-上条)- Son of Queen Regnant Rimea, heir to the throne. He is a calm and collected teenager with dark blond hair and indigo eyes. His hobbies include reading, fencing, and collecting precious stones. Despite being obedient son, he doesn't like his royal lessons too much and sneaks to the city under false identity, like his mother did in the past. He considers Japan an exotic place and often invites his fraternal half-siblings to the festivities. He was de facto taken care of by his father, as well as his aunt Villian, as Rimea had to undertake many duties in her initial years as a queen.

Kira Averil Windsor-Kamijou (キラ アヴェリル ウィンザー-上条) - Daughter of Princess Carissa. Her first name means 'Beam of Light'. 5th in line to the throne, Leo's cousin and half-sister in one. Looking like a spitting image of her mother, she was closely monitored in her childhood (to not 'turn out like her mother Carissa did'). Carissa decided to train Kira and tried to be a supportive mother, which the girl interpreted as overbearing manipulation, which in turn angered Carissa. The tension between mother and daughter was also caused by the fact that Carissa did not inform Kira of her father's family for quite some time. Despite this, Carissa is very proud of her daughter and seeks to have good bonds with her. Kira is noted to look just like her father in times of anger and distress.

Parvati Kamijou (パールヴァティ上条)- Daughter of Sozty Exica. Her name stems from Hindu goddess of power, energy, nourishment, harmony, love, beauty, devotion, and motherhood, wife of Shiva. In her timeline, Sozty fell in love with Touma when they reunited some time after the Agni Festival Fire incident (she had a subconscious crush ever since Touma saved her life and refused her, as well as Ureappady, to die. She only realized it and acted on it after she became an adult). Sozty's daughter Parvati is relentlessly curious and somewhat airheaded. She is half Indian and half Japanese, having slightly lighter carnation and hair than her mother and aunt. By the time of Kamijou's vision caused by Nephthys and Niang-Niang, she is far too little to determine anything else about her personality or interests.

Kamijou Seika (上条 星歌)- Daughter of fusion of Meigo Arisa and Shutaura Sequenzia, but related to the latter from genetic point of view. Seika's name means 'song of stars'. She was de facto raised and endowed with traits from both Shutaura and Arisa, making her an excellent solider who has great empathy and prefers to restrain than take lives. She follows her mother on toughest missions and is considered her right hand in Black Crows. Seika is expert in acrobatics, surpassing her mother's fitness and able to perform acrobations on olympic level thanks to hard and excessive training from very early age.