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!

33. Chapter 33

PAINTED PRISON CHRONICLES

CHAPTER 33

REQUIEM OF FATE

ACT I: LIGHT SHINING THROUGH THE WALLS OF HUMAN HEART

Hello everyone! I am back, and I admit it took me quite long when it comes to writing this chapter, for several reasons. I took advice and rested for a moment, and then I had to split the work into many days. Nevertheless, we arrived at the ending result of yet another chapter of this story.

The prelude of the battle continues. In this chapter our heroes find peace, but also certain anxieties and doubts. It is was certainly one of the most interesting multi-aspect chapters in a while, mainly given one of its main stars, which you will meet with in a moment. I think it's safe to say that it mixes heartwarming, comedic, and tragic in rather decent ratios.

When it comes to some of more (literally) technical announcements, there is a strange issue I have with FF's emails since, I think, October 8th, and I know I am not alone in it. My account keeps informing me that the FF's mails on my mail account are rebounding and are being blocked. I checked everything and added the necessary mails to the contacts, but the situation repeats itself and honestly, I don't quite know what to do. I may attempt to make more attempts in fixing it, as I don't want to switch the mail account unless absolutely necessary. What does it mean to the story? Nothing major fortunately, as I see the changes in favs/follows in the story itself, not through mails, and the reviews aren't disabled, and this is I think the most important thing for me, because it's my communication with you. However, I am not sure if my inbox is working properly. So just a heads up for anyone who wants to use the private messaging, you can (and this may even help because it may help me see if it actually works) but the more certain way right now is through review, because those I will certainly see.

I've been thinking about the fact that we are nearing (or de facto exceeding) 700K words. That's two, or maybe 3, chapters away (in the chapter of my size) of 3/4 of one million words. Thinking about it puts a lot of things into perspective and I can't deny, I want to achieve this milestone (also, because I think the story still has quite a bit to tell). Thinking about the length and time invested in this series also made me reflect on how much the writing process and your reviews caused me to realize in what areas of storytelling I am not so good (although maybe with some potential to improve should I invest in myself) and in which I am praised to be very good. Those information are very valuable and are certainly helping me with my other projects.

I hope that I will be able to upload at more steady pace, but I can't promise anything. Unfortunately, I have a challenging semester ahead of me, with many courses requiring steady attention. My dream writing goal for this story is to write a chapter per two weeks (as it often worked in the past), but it's very idealistic, and sometimes it may take me over 3 weeks or even a month at worst. I think that's the good way to think about it: if it happens earlier, then it's all for the better (believe me, I would be damn overjoyed) but if gets a bit longer, I think it's better to have a chapter week or two later than be burned out. I really love writing for you, so I don't want that to happen if I can prevent it.

Since I think the foreword turned into a little of a rambling (and if I know myself, I will think of some things to tell you AFTER everything is said and done), let's head to the questions for now:

KHVSFF: Ladylee involvement is one of the funniest and most tragic aspects of later parts of this story, as are her feelings for Touma, which are more complex than they initially appear. And of course, exploring comedic side of her immortality in addition to obviously tragic one is never ending endeavour. And you may be in for something special, as we will have a special and meaningful Mugino interaction, that in my opinion would be quite interesting to also witness in the show (won't happen, but still would be interesting)

FullBreaker: Rin really is a bit like Sukuna, although it's also a bit like Toko Fukawa (which was pointed out to me, thank you SuddenBetrayal). And I thought that it would be really precious if Lessar was Umidori's mischivious long-lost relative. As for Aradia, it is doable and probably will be done. The only problem I possibly have with Transcendents is while my fic is post current GT, I wasn't writing too much of the Transcendents because in majority events regarding them were still happening. I really didn't want to change it once it was written so, out of curiosity, I wanted to see in which direction Kamachi takes them. But they are already established in the story, so there is no reason for Aradia to make physical appearance in the future. I hope you like this chapter, it has the heavy involvement of the character many were waiting for.

TheDarkPublisher: Thank you for enjoying the chapter. And yes, Rin was specifically not overly shadowed in mystery, just teased to keep your imagination running. And as for the harem, I am glad that I covered your choices. And as I want to make a total harem, it's a price of it for people not agreeing with some of the picks. But I think if anyone deserves a harem this big, it's Touma.

Commander Lance: Regards 'finding obscure women' you are right, I like to analyze and expand on little things in the lore and franchise, find and extrapolate relations that might, just might, be somewhwere. It's kind of my style. Thanks to this, I feel like many girls went to be source of renewed inspirations for the fans' own interpretations. And I can't really answer all the questions regarding Rin, because that would most likely spoiled the reading experience. And you are right, yandere not knowing about memory loss is dangerous. She kind of learns of it in this chapter... but not really, and it may pose problem in the future.

BlueJack22: Glad we found some similarity in our thinking. And I am glad that you enjoyed this idea too.

SuddenBetrayal: Relation of Rin to Uiharu is mainly due to similar body type and style (headbands for one thing), and in terms of the story, it allows for a nice involvement of Uiharu with Touma (something other than Saten links them now). And when it comes to Bologna, I understand my version became simply an alternative take on Transcendents themselves [see the reply to FullBreaker]. I am still debating with myself how to handle Transcendents going forward too. I am very glad you enjoyed the chapter, sincerly hoped this one will also be of your liking.

faturandi37: At some point, I was thinking about Vasilissa, so maybe Sasha is not out of question (but how at this point? This is something that I will have to think about). It's not impossible though, compared to some other things done in this storyline.

5had0wHand: Mugino and Ladylee are definitely funny together, we will see moments of it in this chapter as well. I am very happy that people like to see my portrayal of Ladylee, she is heavily underused. Thor and Seike will remain a bit of a mystery, all I can say that they stay in touch. But in which form? Not telling for now. And you are second person who makes link to Danganronpa (I actually realized it made a lot of sense once I thought about it).

Without further delay, let's begin!

There were five people in the narrow alley. Tension permeated the air, hanging over the group like a thick mist. Kamijou Touma, alongside Ladylee Tangleroad and Mugino Shizuri, and with Yakumaru Itsuki on the ground, stepped forward, looking only at the petite girl who would normally wear a white headband on her head.

"What is the meaning of this, Sukemi-san?"

"What are you doing here, my love?"

Touma couldn't understand. He was looking at his meek and shy classmate... except the girl in front of him was quite obviously not Sukemi Rin he was acquainted with.

"Why are you with them, Touma-kun~... that's not very intimate, to bring others in this way. Those second-rates might get jealous..."

That slightly slurring, affection-filled whisper was something that would never come out of Sukemi Rin's lips. The poor headband girl would rather pass out than utter such sultry comment.

"Sukemi-san... why? Why did you do that? What is going on?! WHY ARE YOU ACTING LIKE THIS?!"

"Why? Why, you ask..." The droplet of blood flew slowly down the cheek of small girl, when she slightly cocked her head" I think this is the way someone like me can finally get your attention. When there is too many people around you, it gets hard to get around. Wouldn't you agree?"

"No... what? I... I don't..."

"They confined me to the background. But not anymore. I will cut anyone who will stand between you and me so just-"

"Okay, okay, I think that's enough, miss-butcher-attention-seeker. I don't even know him all that well, but this is obviously not going to win you any major points"

Rin blinked and glanced at the girls by Touma's sides.

"You..."

Ladylee bowed down in a mock gesture of good manners.

"Thank you for trying to kill me. It kind of sucks that you couldn't get it right"

For the first time since they saw her, Rin actually got tense and trace of fear appeared on her face, before she shook her head.

"HOW THE HELL ARE YOU STILL HERE?! I cut out and dissected your heart. There is no way for you to just stand there!"

Mugino shot a curious glare on the smaller girl, who shrugged

"Unfortunately, not all dreams come true easily. In my case, I am still alive."

"Unforgivable..." Rin clenched her fist, taking a step forward"... when I say you are dead, you are to be dead!"

"Hey, can you please do what we talked about?" Ladylee mouthed to Mugino.

"Are you actually insane? I told you that..."

"Come on, just do it! I want. To. See. What's. That. Like!"

"No matter how absurd your power is, if I cut you down to millimeters, you won't get in my way again!"

Rin launched herself forward towards the still smiling and relaxed Ladylee.

It seemed that the blond didn't have any intention of evading the attack.

But the source of that relaxation soon appeared from behind... or rather, through Ladylee.

Yes, the beam of light suddenly emerged from Ladylee's chest and headed straight towards Rin, who froze in mid-slash.

She had no way to get her body away from the meltdowner beam.

"AAAAAAH!"

As if he was a goalkeeper, Kamijou Touma reached in mid-jump, managing to intercept the beam of light in the last moment with his right hand and refract during his flight.

Afterwards, he crashed into Sukemi Rin, tumbling down and rolling on the ground. After they finally stop, he raised to his knees and shouted

"Did you two lose your minds?"

"Don't dramatize..." Ladylee looked at the big, carbonized hole in her chest, before coughing out a big stream of blood" She wouldn't actually... be... hurt..."

And with that, she tumbled to the ground.

Meltdowner orbs faded as Mugino started at the fallen Ladylee with puzzled expression.

"One weird ass girl, that's for sure. That was first time someone wanted to be shot through with one of those. Also... is this slashing girl unconscious?! That seriously sucks!"

And indeed, Rin appeared unconscious as she laid on the ground. Touma placed her there gently before getting up himself.

"Well, that is fucking underwhelming! I am a damn #4 level 5, I was expecting someone who could actually keep up, I don't think that's too much to ask?"

"Shizuri, she was clearly worn out and injured beforehand. If anything, we should be grateful that she was apparently weakened by someone before things got ugly. Her ability, while it surely has other, non-violent uses, seems almost perfectly tailored for the killing"

"So is mine. Which is why I wanted to battle. But hey... I think I can charge you anyway"

"Charge m-"

Mugino slammed both of her hands on the alley's wall, forcing Touma to fall back on that surface.

"Instead of charging you for my service, I am charging you for lack of thereof and for my disappointment."

She brushed her tea coloured locks out of the way and closed her eyes, moving her face closer to Touma's.

The boy observed the closing lips as if entranced for a second of two, before frowning. His hand shot up and Mugino suddenly felt her advance halted, as Touma's hand forcibly stopped her by squishing both of her cheeks, causing Meltdowner to be suspended with her lips puckered out.

The girl's eyes opened up with an angry glare present within them.

"Woo du ak af yu dooin'?!" she mumbled incoherently.

Touma let go of her cheeks and instead forced Mugino's hands off the wall, countering their strength with his own, so it now resembled a push-and-pull wrestling match.

"I am not doing it like this"

"Do you have any idea what you are rejecting? I am already going out of my line of pride to admit that I want to proactively initiate it, so you are going to make me mad if you-"

"It's not like I don't want to. I do think you are one of the most attractive girls around the city"

"Then why are you resisting?"

Their arms still pushing against one another, Mugino almost rested her forehead on Touma's own and the view of her eyes was directly in front of his.

"Because I am willing myself to stop. There should be place and time. And doing it like this seems wrong. This is not something you charge people for! I want to truly know you and earn this, Shizuri."

"I do not like being defied, Touma"

"Well, then this Kamijou has a news for you. I do not like being exploited like some resource" Touma muttered, and Mugino suddenly felt that she was being pushed back, little by little, in boy's sudden burst of inner power" I like you, Shizuri, and I really want to have you around me. But I am not someone that can be used in all the ways you want. I told that to Lessar, someone who also likes to get physical, some time ago, and we hugely benefited from that."

"I still don't get it though. You basically admitted that you want it. And... ugh, fucking fine... that charging thing was just an excuse... tch, I hate that you make me throw my pride away, but fine... I admit... I liked kissing you. And I... want to do it again. Do you have your satisfaction, damn it?"

"No"

"What?!"

"I am honoured that you feel this way. I really am. But because it felt so damn good, I want this to have a meaning. If we could throw our desires around like this, I would feel like some random guy trying to have a good time. And I am not like that! So I am sorry, but we are not dispensers of body fun for me! I want it, I really do, but what I want even more is for something like this to be special! Look at you! You are beautiful, I bet you had tons of guys who just wanted to go for a superficial make out or something! So I am not doing it in a moment in which I don't feel like doing it, because that's just a promise that when we both feel like doing it, it will make you feel cared for and just straight out fantastic, Mugino Shizuri!"

Touma panted heavily, finishing the explanation of his behaviour.

It could be seen as somewhat exaggerated, the fact that he was so heavily and emotionally invested in this... but was it really?

Wasn't Kamijou Touma often seen as someone that could be used, by his possession of Imagine Breaker, or simply because he encountered people who believed in their strength and standing so much that they wanted everything their way, not even bothering with Touma's own needs?

He often brushed it off and went along other people's desires but it didn't mean he didn't have his own. And that he wasn't bothered with rather usual neglect. So while he often couldn't do much about things regarding Imagine Breaker and that side of exploitation, he at least wanted to have his saying in interpersonal relationships.

When he focused back on Mugino's face, he almost didn't believe what he saw.

The usually violent girl's face looked... Touma couldn't believe that he would ever use that particular word in association to that specific face... but Mugino Shizuri's face looked meek. Submissive even.

That lasted only a few seconds before usual haughtiness and arrogance returned, but Touma felt that it was engraved in his memory.

"Huh?" Mugino chuckled, when they both looked to the side, hiding their faces from each other's view" So I guess romantic teenage boys are not completely extinct"

"I don't know if this is romantic, it's just... something that I thought would be better for overall experience. You deserve something like this to have a grander meaning"

"You are ridiculously hilarious. Even when you are horny, you are still thinking about my comfort?"

"I-Is that so weird?"

"Comparing to many people I knew? Yeah, very much. Well, I suppose making out in the alley with your deranged friend out cold and corpse of the idiot who wanted to experience my beam is a bit anticlimatic even for me. And when it comes to people hitting on me... those were the guys who actually didn't know who I was. When they knew... they were almost pissing themselves."

"Shizuri... I told you that I didn't want Sukemi-san dead"

"It was that brat's idea"

At the very least, Mugino looked sideways, with a somewhat apologetic look.

"I would wait for calling me a corpse, that was exciting, but didn't work either. Maybe you should totally vaporize me instead?"

It was kind of funny for Touma to see Mugino jump slightly, similarly to a cat encountering a cucamber, when completely healed Ladylee Tangleroad patted her on the back.

"Are we going home or what?" The small immortal smelled herself and winced" I smell as if I was smoked over a grill, I need to take a shower"

(KAMIJOU + GOKUSAI APARTMENT)

"I am sorry that I caused problems... I sleepwalked? It's first time it happened during the day"

Rin muttered quietly, wanting to disappear from the face of the earth. She smiled shyly towards Kamijou.

Yakumaru Itsuki accepted the tea with gratitude. Afterwards, Touma sat down and focused on his classmate.

"Thank you for taking my headband with me. It means a lot to me. Do you remember how-"

"Touma" Kaibi said, pinching the poor boy on the arm" Why is Meltdowner here?"

"Not your business. I can go wherever I want"

"Not to my home, you can't"

"That's not only your ho-

"Girls! L-Let's be calm, we are friends he-"

"WE ARE NOT FRIENDS!"

Apparently, animosities between Kaibi and Mugino, stemming from battles between dark side factions, would take more time to disappear. Not only that...

Kaibi and Rikuri decided to form some sort of defensive formation by sitting on each side of Touma, in a way that he could barely move. They were both looking at Mugino with... well, in case of Rikuri it wasn't hostility, more of a silent, haughty challenge, combined with making sure to maximize the surface in which Rikuri's body was touching Touma's own.

Even the fact that Rin regained consciousness as her 'polite' self, and was now staring at Touma with adorably lost expression of her face, was not enough to distract Mugino from slowly boiling up with irritation, which was only amplified by the apparent trouble in figuring out how did Ladylee survive Meltdowner's ability.

Touma knew already how much pride Mugino had in her power and how much she hated being outmatched by someone who could counter it in some way. The times in which she could kill over it were over, but she was still getting pretty angry if that happened. And in Ladylee's case, it was worse than in two other notable cases in which her power was ignored.

Ladylee didn't avoid the attack like Hamazura, didn't block it like Touma, but allowed the ability to work in the way it should, and still lived. All of that pissed Mugino off, despite being the one who voluntarily shot at the girl.

And the only distraction he hoped for seemed to backfire...

But let's go back to moment in which Maidono, Hasako, Kuroyoru Umidori, and Mitsuari Ayu all returned to the apartment.

Ayu slumped on the couch, clearly out of energy from the nerve wrecking encounter. She kept her distance from Rin, even though the latter's personality already underwent a shift when she was unconscious. After Hasako's whispered explanation to Touma, everyone went to an uneasy silence. They had to decide what to do next.

"I think... I will walk with Sukemi-san" Hasako offered" She looks like she needs some fresh air"

Hasako's suggestion was silently accepted by everyone. It would be much easier, at least at that stage, to discuss plans without Sukemi Rin being present.

"Oh, Kankyougami-san, was it? Alright, I will go... but... can I talk with you when I get back, Kamijou-kun?"

"Of course"

"I am sorry you had to find me in that state. I never sleepwalked like that before. I even hurt myself. I am pathetic..."

'So that's how she explains this to herself, huh...'

"T-That's not a problem. You don't happen to remember anything from that time, do you?"

"No, I don't think I remember anything. It is so hazy..."

"Please, make sure to contact me whenever you feel dizzy or nauseous. I want to help you as much as I can"

Rin blushed coyly and nodded in embarrassment.

"I...I'll do that!"

When Hasako and Rin left, Ayu sighed

"Can you please explain to me once again why did the alter ego of that girl targeted me? I already know the basics from Kuroyoru-san's memory... is this anything there is?"

Not wanting to complicate things further for now, Touma confirmed it.

"Yes, that's basically all of there is to it. You are the target of an enemy of mine... a part of me"

"A part of you... wait, you have an alter-ego too"

"You can say that... Ayu-san, I promise I will handle this. Can you promise me to be careful?"

"What are you talking about? I want to help you if there is some trouble-"

"Maybe... but not now. It's important for you to be safe. And I want Kuroyoru-san to still watch over you"

"Are you sure? I am actually ashamed of my own performance" mumbled Kuroyoru.

Despite her own sulking, Touma personally patched her up and prepared warming soup, which the girl devoured with gratitude on her face, earning the glances of envy of other females across the room.

"With the lacks in knowledge on my part, you did good in my eyes. You tried your best and if you think you failed, you will just try to be better next time"

"If Kankyougami-san didn't arrive, there probably wouldn't be a next time... but... thanks." Kuroyoru smiled weakly at Touma" There will be no room for mistake from now on"

"So, what will you do with that girl?" asked Mugino

"I think it's best to observe Sukemi-san for now. And when she changed back into her dark self, I might have something that can subdue her"

"Something that can't be cut by her? It has to be something insanely durable"

"I think it might just work. Now, let's rest and eat"

Time passed by. After everyone were fed and everyone shared their bit of intel regarding recent hours, Yakumaru Itsuki thanked Touma and even hugged him before departing with slightly flushed face. Ayu and Kuroyoru quickly followed upon insistance that Mental Stinger should rest, although the mental esper forced Touma to swear on his promise upon their reunion that he will be safe himself and will keep her notified about the entire case of Rin and Kamijou No Touma.

And thus, with Ladylee showering and Index visiting Maika with Othinus in tow, only Gokusai sisters, Mugino, and Maidono were left alongside Touma in the living room.

"So... what do you propose?" Kaibi asked Touma.

"I think something is troubling Sukemi-san. I doubt he could achieve that personality split if that wasn't the case. Something tells me that listening to her and learning more about her darkness can be beneficial" Touma explained.

"So... you want to spend some time with her?"

"I don't know how to do it yet... I am still thinking how to do it"

"Well, one thing's for sure, wherever you'll go, we'll go too" Rikuri hugged Touma and Kaibi, with Amazora jumping on their knees with a smile on her lips" Like a team and a family"

"I am also going. No discussion" Mugino added in a firm tone.

"Do you mind? We are having a moment here" Kaibi glared at Meltdowner, being sure to rather exaggeratedly rub her cheek against Touma's, giving boy shivers.

"Does Mugino-senpai actually has to go?" Maidono asked in a way that did not hide the sarcasm laced in the 'senpai' honorific.

"It bothered me for a while..." Touma asked, looking at two powerful espers, shooting quite hostile glares at each other" Did you know each other from before?"

"You mean before I turned her into skipping stone on the river?"

"Yeah... before that day"

"Well, we had couple of clashes when we were in the murky waters of dark side. She tried to drag me to her group" Maidono muttered" I admired her at the beginning, but she was very... exploitive. So in time, I started to think my opinion was too high and tried to distance myself. Why was someone like her given the spot as a level 5?"

"Power and talent, that's why" Mugino answered nonchalantly" And a bit of favouritism, I suppose... You know, I didn't recognize you at first when you tossed me into the river because back then, your hair looked different, but now I want to teach you to have respect even more. Do you have any idea of the destruction you caused in each time we crossed paths standing on two sides of the barricade? If you agreed to be loyal to me-"

"Then what? You would make me another dog, like that girl in the tracksuit, that you drugged for your means? You shattered my opinions of you to tiny pieces. I know for a fact that you would try to make me into your slave. You would abuse me... like everyone before you. Even the fact that you are getting closer to Touma makes me boil with rage."

"Don't act like you are better than me!" Mugino snarled back" You are just as destructive as me, if not more. So don't try to suddenly seem all innocent. Someone like you can never create. It's a pinnacle of arrogance that you think you can even belong somewhere"

"No, that's not... I am not..."

"Destruction is in your blood, you know."

"NO! THAT'S NOT TRUE!"

"Really? Then what about the incident I learned when trying to recruit you? You want to know the reason why I was made level 5, despite being similarly destructive to you? When someone ended up dead, I actually wanted them dead. You know what I am referring to, don't you?"

Blood left Maidono's face as she whispered

"No... stop..."

But Mugino was relentless.

"You mean you didn't tell him? You didn't inform him what was the event that pulled you into the darkness? Something that made you so infamous on the dark side that even I, Mugino Shizuri, felt like you could be someone with a proper spine? Who wouldn't fear someone..."

"No!" Maidono wailed, covering her own pale face with hands" Touma, please, I-"

"... who took lives of half of her school?" Mugino finished quietly with bitter grin.

Silence was deafening. Until it was broken by repeated, quiet sound.

Those were quick, repetitive breaths. Maidono's eyes seemed to tremble in their sockets, her hands wandering over the face wet from sweat and string of words was leaving ghostly white lips amidst severe hyperventilation.

"ItwasanaccidentIdidntmeanitItwasanaccidentIdidntmeanitItwasanaccidentIdidntmeanit ItwasanaccidentIdidntmeanitItwasanaccidentIdidntmeanitItwasanaccidentIdidntmeanit ItwasanaccidentIdidntmeanitItwasanaccidentIdidntmeanitItwasanaccidentIdidntmeanit ItwasanaccidentIdidntmeanitItwasanaccidentIdidntmeanitItwasanaccidentIdidntmeanit..."

"Sister... is it that accident?" Kaibi whispered in shock" The one with natural disaster in the middle of the city?"

"Sensei..." Amazora muttered in confusion" What is going on?

"Maidono..." Touma asked in concern and in partial disbelief" What is she talking ab-"

"I am... I am sorry!"

Maidono got up and bolted out of the apartment before anyone could say anything... well, except for Ladylee Tangleroad who paraded out of the bathroom wrapped in the towel and was now looking left to right in confusion.

Touma looked at Mugino

"Shizuri, you seem to have a real talent in creating new enemies and making people cry"

"I didn't say anything that wasn't true though" Mugino shrugged, but her eyes were somewhat uneasy.

Touma looked at the sisters. Kaibi sighed and smiled at him.

"Go after her, you moron. We will stay with the guests and make sure no one traumatizes anyone else"

Mugino scoffed at that. Ladylee sighed and went back to the bathroom, to dry herself from the remaining water on her body.

(HALF AN HOUR LATER)

Arriving at old switchyard, Touma roamed around until he heard sound of sobbing, He looked up and noticed the girl he was looking for, sitting on one of the containers.

"Hoshimi!"

Maidono slowly looked up and noticed Touma waving at her from dozen meters below.

"Can we talk? Please?"

After a moment of silence, the girl made few gestures with her fingers and fragment of earth on which Touma stood elongated vertically like a column, allowing him to get on top of the container.

"Are you here to question me?" she asked in slightly nasal voice.

Touma could not see her eyes yet, but they were probably reddened. It was evident that the girl was crying. Her bare arms were shaking too.

"First and foremost..." Touma said, taking his hoodie off and placing it over Maidono" I wanted to see if you are alright. It sure doesn't sound like it."

He sat by her side, as she tried to do something with her tears, which were still flowing despite her efforts.

"But... if you can, I would like you to tell me what was that made you like this. I don't think I saw you in such a state since we met. If you want to, I can turn around, but-"

Maidono suddenly hugged him, resting her face on his shoulder and wrapping her arms around him. She latched onto him as if he was one solid thing around, some kind of attachment to reality. Touma, initially surprised, hugged her back, trying his best to comfort her. After a moment, Maidono's shaking slightly subsided.

"Thank... Thank you for coming for me. I wouldn't be strong enough to see anyone out of my own now." she said quietly" I... I will tell you. You deserve to know and I feel awful for hiding it. It's your choice what you will think of me afterwards..."

Although she tried to sound calm while speaking, her voice cracked during the last sentence and Touma felt his shirt becoming slightly wet in the place that she chose to rest her face on.

"It happened after I got recruited by Veritas and developed my ability, but before I actually became a dark sider. During that time, I frequented to the school as usual. You know that people were not really... eager to socialize with me after my fingers became what they are now? Most people didn't really get along with me, and some of them... actively bullied me. People at school didn't know my full potential, you see, and I was asked to keep it hidden until it became more refined. Back in the day, it was still new to me and the problem was that I had too much raw power and too little precise control. So I seemed like some anti-social freak to most. I was not to disclose the method that optimized my power and I wasn't medically listed as disabled, so most of my classmates thought that I was just acting fancy, like chopsticks were not good enough for me. That was absurd, but I bet you know how fast misconceptions can spread, especially with a bunch of young children. Anyway, while most of the time I had my lunches stolen or had them stabbed with chopsticks up, in a way that plainly wished for my death, there was one girl, by the name Fuuka, who didn't treat me like crap and even shared her lunches with me after mine happened to be destroyed. I think the main reason for it was the fact that she had weak legs and was more eager to believe that I indeed had limited manoeuvrability with my fingers. To this day I don't know what our relationship was from my perspective, but when it came to me, I wanted to be her friend. She was a typical library-loving shy girl. As a thank you, I helped her around the place, bringing down the books that were located too high and such... it was thanks to her that I actually began to like reading... that was such a strange relationship. She didn't speak much, she was always so quiet and calm, and always blushed when she actually told me about something that was important. She... wanted me to stand up for myself, because she saw that I always let others do as they pleased. She acted... not unlike Hasacchi acts now. But... ultimately, it came to an end, because of my failure to control myself. When the group who liked to bully me found out about our friendship, they went out to get me through her..."

'A locker with its doors bent and graphitized. Supplies thrown onto the floor, and books inside thrown into the puddle of something resembling a sweet syrup...'

"Those bastards wanted to torment me through her. They destroyed her stuff, even the book she was writing alone in secrecy, and she never had the courage to think about publishing. They said they will not torment her anymore if I humiliated myself and ate without any utensils... like an animal. And as I heard them laugh, something rose within me... something dark and ugly... the fury so intense that even biting my lip and feeling actual, physical pain did not make me snap out of it."

'The laughter coming from all sides and sound of her own beating her, that was louder and louder, until she couldn't hear anything else... the feeling of pressure rising inside her like a tidal wave and her teeth clenched so much that it hurt... and when two bullies grabbed her and tried to force her to eat from the soup bowl placed on the ground...'

"I... never before retaliated. I always ignored all of those times I was bullied. And because I always bottled everything in, because I never expressed it before... when I actually felt that anger, I was seeing red. I couldn't feel anything but the pure fury. It was fine when it was only me, but they threatened to continue harassing the one person who encouraged me to stand up for myself... and when they tried to force me... I just... snapped...'

'As the laughing group was about to leave, to their confusion, the doors suddenly shut on their own, lock clicking, as the lone girl stood rigidly in the middle of empty class, moments before hell broke loose...'

Maidono closed her eyes and shook her head.

"Touma... do you know what is the most powerful usage of telekinesis?"

"Emm... lifting the skyscrapers and hundreds of tons of mass?"

"That's certainly close... but... there is one thing that is considered above that... the ability of unparalleled calamity, manifested only by the strongest telekinetics during the most intense of emotions..."

'She did not remember. She did not remember if world started shaking first or was she the one that began to do so. She screamed as the world started to vibrate, unaware of erupting sounds of terror. She wanted to do make those awful feelings disappear as she extended her index fingers without clear focus. The ground shook and wide cracks spread in every direction. Among the trembling of everything around her, the floor and the very building caved in as the earth roared, parting and vibrating in unparalleled spectacle of destruction and chaos.'

"... that ability... is the power to generate tremors, to turn pressure into seismic energy. The power to shift the earth and quake it. Telekinetic AIM fields manifest themselves as pressure. Intense pressure creates vibrations, and intense vibrations... can make tremors powerful enough to destroy everything around you. Do you recall the earthquake that happened nearly 5 years ago in this district?"

"Yeah, it was on the news and the shaking could be felt in the entire city. It made my lunch spill on the ground. Epicenter was located in some school and the whole place was... wait... no..." Touma trailed off." Was that..."

"On that day, in my blind rage and irrational fury, my sudden burst of raw, unfocused power caused shaking equal to Richter's level 6 earthquake. Although it didn't last long, it caused the earth to cave in and completely demolished my school, alongside with the damage to few nearby buildings. I don't remember much from that time... only screaming... and then... being swiped by the rubble, buried under..."

Maidono suddenly put her hand over her mouth as if she was about to throw up. Only after a minute of calming, massage-like motion from Touma on her back, did she manage to relax a little

"I got buried under a lot of stones. I lost consciousness and awoke in complete darkness. After a while of calming myself, I managed to dig myself out using my ability and then spent nearly an hour trying to find someone... anyone... but no one was answering me in that pile of dust and wreckage... . I couldn't hear anything, just static in my ears. When Anti-Skill arrived, I helped them save others, but...almost no one was... and if anyone was... they were... I am sorry, I..."

Maidono got silent and rubbed her eyes, before continuing

"Nearly half of the school was killed. A quarter was severely injured. I did what I could to help... until they found her. Fuuka-san..."

'Almost mechanically, she walked through the rubble, when her eyes fixed on the Anti-Skill accompanied with two men from the medical team...

"Hey, can you help us identify her? She is not responding and we-"

She walked and walked, until she saw who was laying down there.

Her eyes widened as she stared... and stared... and stared...

Blood covered most of the fallen girl's face. But she couldn't be mistaken.

As if she was a robot, she made a gesture similar to swiping something aside, and the pile of rubble moved, revealing the entire body.

She didn't make almost any move besides blinking, as her eyes welled with tears, flowing down her face in many streams, making trails in the dust that covered her.

The officer wanted to say something but she did not hear a thing, falling to her knees and unleashing a desperate, broken cry of sorrow'

"Did she..."

"Head injury was too grave. She didn't make it"

"I am... so sorry..."

"I am pathetic, aren't I? The city labelled it as a natural earthquake, but I... and few of the survivours knew... that I was the actual cause. There was no real evidence, so I never faced any punishment. And I know it was an accident... but I killed so many people, including the one person I thought of as a friend. That experience... it broke me... I stopped going to school, spending all time during some part time jobs or staying in the lab... I didn't think I could face other people... and I... I joined the dark side through Veritas and started working under the Board of Directors because... when I convinced myself that maybe that was all there was to me. If I could only kill others in my attempt to protect... then closing my heart was only thing left remaining... and I went on and on like that, eroding myself to no end... until I met you"

"Hoshimi..."

"I was probed and experimented by many people on the dark side, mainly Veritas... in addition to my mastery of levitation, I apparently had the potential to cause Richter 10 earthquake if I went beyond level 5."

"10 in Richter's scale..."

As a japanese citizen, Touma knew a bit about earthquakes and he was fairly sure that Richter scale had only 9 levels of magnitude, beginning with Micro and ending with Extreme.

"10 in Richter's scale is a hypothetical magnitude. It's an 'Apocalyptic' earthquake, the upper limit of Earth's tectonic plates. The earthquake of that magnitude would shift thousands of kilometers of earth over dozens of meters, create tsunamis as big as mountains, and tremors felt on the entire planet, combined with absolute annihilation and destruction . I doubt that this is truly doable... but rumours spread and thanks to that I had some unwanted attention. I hated it... I hated everything about it... I hated myself... so I went on to actually feel like this hate is justified by killing and becoming a heartless bitch, who just following orders..."

'The group of smugglers sat in the large armoured truck. One of them lifted a pendrive with one hand and a can of beer in the other.

"We are almost at the border. Our partners should have dealt with the border patrol by now. Once we get this techno intel outside, we will be filthy rich. We-"

BOOM!

The smugglers looked around in confusion.

"What's going on out there?" one of them shouted to the driver.

"I-I don't know... the car of our security just got... crumpled"

"What the hell do you mean with crumpled?"

"Like I said, it just shot up and got crushed like a can!"

Suddenly, everybody were thrown forwards, as the truck came to a sudden halt.

"What? Why the fuck are you stopping?"

"I didn't stop! Something... something is holding us in place."

SCREECH!

The back wall of the truck bent and then split in half, revealing young girl in a blond wig. Pieces of metal collapsed next to her as she stepped forward, two marbles levitating over her index fingers, making small circles alongside their movement.

Five men shot up to their feet.

"What the hell?"

"Hello boys. I am sorry, but my boss says that this intel you have is not leaving the city. You aren't either, for that matter"

"How did you stop us? Are you an esper?"

"No, I am a completely normal girl which singlehandedly stopped a multi-ton truck and ripped its back away. That was sarcasm, in case you are too stupid to understand."

"Don't mock us! You are outnumbered five to one, and unarmed."

The girl let out a laugh.

"Unarmed? You fools... everything here..."

She raised her arm, with index finger extended towards one of the smugglers.

"... is my weapon!"

In the next moment, glass marbles shot forward... and through the skulls of two unfortunate men, who collapsed on the spot, to the horror of their companions.

"Open fire!"

With motion of girl's finger, parts of reinforced metal shot up in front of her, bullets ricocheting of it.

"Now... how many people is enough to tell me who hired you..."

A part of the improvised shield was shot forwards, and sinking into the flesh of the second smuggler. The girl swiped to the right and the man was slammed into the wall, following the piece of metal within him.

A dropped gun soared through the air to the girl's hand.

"...ah, right..."

The third man attempted to shoot his weapon, but it crumpled in his hands, as if made of paper. Meanwhile, the girl's newly acquired weapon discharged, accompanied with another body hitting the floor.

Blowing away the thin trail of smoke, she finished

"...only one"

And she put her index fingers together.

In the next moment, the interior of the truck collapsed on itself, bending and straining. She stepped back, and the mass of metal detached from the truck's cabin, floating in the air. One remaining men was sticking out, trying to free himself.

"Now, it was fun, but I need to know who hired you. If you tell me, it will only end up with all of your bones being broken and I will let you go. If you don't..."

She rotated her hands, with index fingers pointing at each other, in two opposite directions. The man screamed when the entire crumpled back of the track twisted like a wringed cloth.

"Alright... alright... I will talk!"

After a moment, the girl nodded in satisfaction.

"That's fine."

"So you will let me live?"

"Well... no, not really"

"B-But you said..."

"I said I would let you live. Unfortunately, my boss did not take your actions lightly."

Madiono shook her head with displeased look, cringing her lips.

"I was such a heartless, self-serving bitch back then. I did all of that dirty work to escape that nightmare, to justify my self-torment, when in reality, I was digging my own grave."

"Hoshimi... I am... I am so sorry that all of that happened. It's true that it was unfortunate. But that was not your fault. You said yourself that you did not have refined control over your ability."

"If I didn't let go of my judgement back then, if I didn't let myself be blinded by rage, my calculations... my ability wouldn't go berserk. So if I wasn't there..."

"I don't know if that's irresponsible or cowardly, but sometimes, thinking about all the what ifs simply doesn't work and will only drive you insane. I am a walking magnet for bad luck. It is natural to attribute every single bad thing that happened to me, but... I really don't think I could be the source of all of that. And I think that if you feel remorse and cry over what happened, then I think you are still okay. You are a good person. I am very happy that I managed to meet you. Do you... have..."

"Nightmares? Plenty of them. And because of that accident, I also have taphophobia."

"Tapho...what?"

"The fear of being buried alive. It's usually associated with graves, but can also be broadened to being buried alive by earth"

Maidono broke the embrace to look at him.

"I had no idea you were so troubled" Touma said bitterly" I wish I could do something for you..."

"Are you kidding? Don't you see? You are doing more than enough. I am so happy that I met you as well. After that accident, I was so lonely. So I am... so honoured that you confided in me about your memory loss. It made me feel of enough value to go on. It put things into perspective and made me realize that even though I wanted to torment myself to make up for that day, in the end I was just pitying myself. I indulged in dark side to forget the pain I experienced before. You made me realize that self-tormenting for the past instead of trying to figure out the way to make a better future is not an apology at all! Thanks to you, I was able to think about going on without shortcuts to be myself that I wanted to be before all of that madness that I put myself through. It's because you kept me from straying after our fight that I could do so. It's because you believed in me and my ability to change that I was able to attain the highest freedom. I could thank you for not thinking of me as a freak, of not dismissing me because of how absurd my obsession sounded... for giving me best friend that I love to see smile... I could thank for those things and more, but I doubt it would cover it all... so instead..."

Maidono closed the gap between them so quickly that Touma wouldn't be able to react even if he wanted to.

Their lips connected for couple seconds, being rather intensely pressed from Maidono's side, before separating. The girl smiled sheepishly

"I guess... that instead of thousand 'thank yous'... one 'I love you' should suffice... I wanted to tell you this for quite some time, and my breakdown just now sort of... gave me courage. I want to say this again: even though I am my own person now, I offer you my love and servitude."

"Thank you" Touma honestly did not expect such turn of events, and tried to refocus his attention

'Crap, after that I kind of look like a hypocrite with what I told Shizuri. I will have to return the favour to her, even if she doesn't know. And it would be better if she didn't.'

" Really, I... am glad you feel this way. Do you feel better now?"

"I was feeling awful before you came for me. Now it's much better. By the way, how did you know I was here? You got here relatively quickly"

"I know this switchyard since... well, I fought here once. And as for how I knew to search for you here, Hasako told me that this is the place you like to visit when you feel upset"

"Hasacchi, huh..." Maidono smiled, taking one step off the container and suspending herself in the air" At which point did that girl learned so much about me... but she's right. Something about the solace of this place is... comforting, when there is too much noise in my own head."

She floated down to the ground and slightly bent the container, allowing Touma to slide down.

So... are you going back to Sukemi Rin? What are you going to with her?"

"For now, I will have someone keep an eye on her at all times. But I have to get involved with her, otherwise this won't make any sense in a long run. She obviously does this because of what he did to her... but also because she is something to me. If I could only remember..."

"Are you okay?"

"Yes, I am... I am used to trying to get those things from scratch by now. But I need to think of what to do next"

(SOME TIME LATER)

"...and that's why I phoned you" Touma finished his explanation. "What do you think about all of this?"

There was a moment of silence, before Rimea spoke on the other side of the line.

"Now, that's quite a conundrum. There are clearly many variables here... and just as much scenarios that can arise from that shady self of yours being back."

"Yeah, you can say that again. I don't want to have my new roommates and others that I treasure to be put in danger. Even if he is holding back, I am sure he is plotting something. Sukemi-san's case proves it."

He heard a sound of flipped page over the phone as eldest princess spoke again.

"Out of personal curiosity, why did you decide to speak to me about this?"

"Because I never have enough mature and intelligent women that can actually hold a normal and deep conversation?"

A composed, quiet chuckle resounded. Even though Rimea had specific sense of humour, Touma noted that she laughed (or at the very least chuckled) more frequently compared to when he met her, which actually made him happy too.

"It's a nice and flattering, but do be serious, Kamijou."

"Fine... I thought that it may also be personal for you. After all, you've been there when he appeared last time. During the ball at the castle... you helped me and I just thought..."

"You are correct" Rimea replied curtly" More so, he conversed and managed to outsmart me, in a way. It's not such an exaggeration to say that I want to get back on him as well. I would like to engage personally, but..."

"You are to stay in the UK, right?"

"Just a glamorous life of the heir to the throne, Kamijou." there was an irritation-tinged sigh from the queen-to-be" Once again you speak the truth. However, being here will not stop me from aiding you in strategy formulation or consulting, should the need arise. I do owe you that much after the effort you put in this relationship my mother concocted"

"Oh no, it's a pleasure. And seriously, thank you for finding time to talk anyway"

"It certainly livens things up here. You must realize that you hold a unique position of someone who knows who I am but is still allowed near me due to my own take on your actions, and our correspondence. I think I can say with all fairness that if all people are annoying, you are the one besides my family who annoys me the least. Your companionship is very valued."

As always, Rimea complimented him in convoluted way. In that instance, she actually wanted to express her liking to their exchanges through phones and letters, but external observer probably would not be so quick in picking that up.

"It would be nice to get together in some bar again."

"Yeah, you looked great in that leather-"

Touma blinked, realizing what he just said.

"Rimea-san, I am sorry, I didn't mean it in a-"

"Oh my, you do know that say such things to a princess with a proper protocol can give you lifelong imprisonment?"

Silence...

"That was a joke. You may laugh now"

"Not after something like that! You are getting better in small-talk, but this kind of jokes won't relax the atmosphere!"

"Really? I thought it was about calculating the correct amount of tension into the joke"

"You are overthinking it again, Rimea-san..."

"Don't fear, I am not offended. I like to dress like that as well and I would prefer you to be able to speak your mind freely. That's what we agreed when mother got us to write to each other. As long as you are friend of United Kingdom and our family, nothing bad will befall you when it comes to forces of our kingdom. And in truth, it would be nice to once again venture out. You still didn't change your mind about staying in Japan? The knighthood offer remains open. You would be under my personal protection"

"I am sorry princess, but my friends and home are here. I can't just leave"

"A pity" came the response. If Touma didn't know better, she sounded genuinely disappointed" Nevertheless, I will repeat this offer for you. In the meantime, notify me about the development of this case. For now, I would recommend investigating and talking with that girl in the presence of something that can mediate her psychological state, in addition to some physical protection."

"What do you mean by that?"

Touma's phone beeped and he looked at the screen.

"What is this? A GPS location?"

"I pinpointed someone who can help you. You will find the details in the message"

Touma scanned the text and his eyes widened.

"What? She is in Japan? Why?"

"Why else other than the reason most females seem to have?" Rimea said quietly" She misses you"

"What was that?"

"Nothing. Missionary work, so I've heard. I bet that personality-wise, she is a good candidate for psychological assessment of your split-minded friend... and I think, given your past bond, she might be of help to you, too"

"Rimea-san, thank you so much."

"That's nothing. And please, do notify me about your progress. I find your dilemmas properly stimulating in the stiffness of court life"

"Please don't treat the miserable life of this poor Kamijou like a sudoku for royalty!"

The call was ended with one more dignified chuckle.

"Now then..." Touma, walking back to the living room, where 3 sisters, Index, and Othinus were occupied with their" Who wants to have some family time near the seaside?"

(FEW DAYS LATER)

The large car with three rows of seats travelled swiftly on the road near the shore.

"It's the sea!" Amazora cheered, peering over the window like a happy puppy, her blond locks fluttering on the wind.

"Amazora, you are crushing my legs!" Rikuri wailed, getting the smaller girl back inside

"But Riku nee-chan, aren't you excited too?"

"Of course I am. I have my swimsuit ready to go on my body at any moment. Beach is truly my kingdom"

"And you, Ori nee-san?"

Oriana, driving the small bus, flashed a warm smile to her youngest cousin. "Of course. I am happy to be invited. How could I disappoint the cutest little cousin in the world? Besides, aside of being able to spend time with my newly found family..."

She stared at Touma and lightly blew him a kiss, causing the boy to quickly look away.

"Yes, this seems like it can be a lot of fun... also, it would be fun to see someone from the Dorm again..."

The british magician was invited to go alongside Gokusai sisters as both them, Index, Othinus, as well as Mugino, Ladylee, and Rin, joined Touma in his journey to small christian church on the cliff overlooking the ocean. Additionally, from his own side, Touma invited no one other than Shutaura and Arisa to help provide additional protection if things got ugly with knife wielding alter-ego.

In total, 10 people. Well, actually 14, counting the fact that Touma, Shutaura + Arisa, and Rin were honourable part of DID aka Split Personality Club. That was the reason they had to get a small bus rather than a simple car.

Regretabbly, Maidono seemed to come down with something, so Hasako stayed behind to watch over her. It seemed like it was just a cold, but according to Hasako, Maidono was the type to overdramatize in sickness. They hoped to rejoin Touma as soon as they could.

"Kamijou-san, is it really okay for me to go with you? It's so strange to go with you on the trip like that?"Sukemi Rin fidgeted in her seat, looking around the car.

"Our school nurse recommended you some rest. My friends were going for it too, independently, but if we are inconvenient-"

"No, no, no! I was just surprised, but it will be... v-v-very nice to rest with you" choked out the now red girl.

'I-I would never expect for Kamijou-kun to just contact me and ask if I was interested in trip to the beach. Why would he do it? And who is that person he wants me to talk to? Oh, so many unknowns. I thought that he forgot about me, but he wouldn't ask me about going with him... oh, what should I think? It's just like with those over the top fantasies of Kazari. Of course I will go. Although those girls...'

Rin looked back and forth. Out of the girls in the car, three of them had chests that were an epithome of 'massive' and 'impressive', depending if you wanted to talk in metaphor or not. Oriana, Rikuri, and Mugino seemed to take with little mass other girls have and add it on, even if it was only psychological effect. It certainly didn't help with Rin being more on the flatter side.

"Kamijou, not trying to rush or anything, but how much longer until we get to the place you talked about? You locked me in the bus with some nutjobs!"

Touma glanced back at the people on the sits.

"Arisa, I don't care about the fact that we switched just before the trip. Why didn't you pack spare..." Shutaura blushed in frustration, glancing at Touma, while shouting angrily to her recording device" I am so through with that chaos you call your packing style!"

"Ah..." Ladylee sighed, observing the cliffs by the seaside" If I were to fall from there, I could probably lose all of my limbs... but that wouldn't do it. And there, with the rocks... that would be a nice impalement, but... no, too painful. Maybe if I set myself on fire at the same time..."

"I don't think you can call other people nuts, Meltdowner" Kaibi shot back. She was beautifully dressed in a new dress, crimson with golden lining that resembled vines and accentuated her developing curves. She also sported a pair of sunglesses and decided to curl her hair only partially, the majority falling back in the ponytail.

"Oh, shut it! If I hear one more off-tune song, I swear..."

"TOUMA, I am hungry! Those rations you supplied me weren't nearly enough!"

"Maybe they would be if you... *hurgh*... didn't eat everything within the first hour after departure" whispered Othinus.

Apparently, Oriana's driving style on the bending road over the seashore wasn't for everyone, evidenced by the fact that they had to pull over 3 times (mainly Amazora). For some incredible and incomprehensible reason, Index, who gobbled down great amount of food was almost unaffected, which couldn't be said about slightly green Othinus.

"Look, we are here!" Touma shouted, glad that they somehow managed to get to their destination without Mugino blowing off the car or Index staring to eat the car itself.

They parked in front of the medium-sized convent on the edge of the cliff. It looked sturdy, being made of grey rock and having a european-style, red roof, with a golden cross on the top of thin tower on its eastern side.

Everyone got out of the bus. As they got their luggage from the trunk of the car, they were greeted by two woman, who came outside through the gotic-like portal on the front of the convent's church.

Touma instantly brightened and walked forward.

"It's great to-"

But to his surprise, it was the woman in roman catholic habit who got to him first and embraced him in a hug.

That sent wave of gasps through the crowd of females that gathered on this trip.

Big breasts pressing onto him.

Short hair tickling his ear.

Pleasant smell and warmth.

Many different sensations caused Touma's brain to short-circuit for a few seconds, being snapped out of it by the words.

"I thank the God's grace that you travelled here safely"

Touma pulled back and looked onto the warm smile and caring face of Orsola Aquinas

"Hello, Kamijou Touma. I'm very happy to see you again."

"I...I am very happy to see you, too" he reincorporated the joy of the greeting.

In truth, he was happy how efficiently everything went. Luckily, besides implying some measures of invigilation and additional security, Accelerator wasn't as formalistic when it came for him and his group leaving Academy City for the few days, at least when comparing him to Aleister.

The pair stared at each other with smiles on their faces, until a sound of coughing made Touma looked past Orsola.

"Huh? Lucia? You are here too?"

The blond nun, the right-hand of Agnese Forces, quickly turned to the side with arms crossed.

"I-I am here because Agnese thought someone should watch over miss Orsola. I-It has nothing to do with you being here as well"

"Hah! She is like Kai nee-san when she was all 'it's not like I like you', right Riku nee-san"

"You may be onto something, but it's not polite to point, Amazora."

Lucia glared at whispering sisters, as Orsola spoke

"Come on, don't be so cold, miss Lucia. I believe Agnese wanted to convey her best regards to Kamijou. And if I weren't mistaken, you also promised Angelene to-"

"I-I... don't know what you are talking about! I promised nothing. I will not... look at that, miss Orsola! He brought with him 9 women, including small children. He already engaged in sin upon arrival! This man is a bringer of depravity"

"That's not your true thoughts. Such attitude does not suit your beauty!"

"T-The nun should be pious, not beautiful!"

"Ekhm! Can we get going? And also, maybe some introductions are in order?" Mugino asked in a voice that didn't really leave much room for arguments.

Soon, they were inside.

"Everyone, please feel free to move around the convent and use the beach down below" Orsola addressed the freshly arrived guests" This place is a church complex that I was sent to, as it is my mission to check its state and order any eventual renovations. I am sister Orsola Aquinas, a nun specializing in preaching and decoding the writings of christendom. This pouty nun here..."

"W-Who are you calling pouty?!"

"...is sister Lucia. You are our guests, so if you have any problems, please turn to us for help or advice. And speaking of that... are any of you miss Rin?"

"T-That would be me..." Rin shyly stepped forward" I am still quite confused by this trip... but Kamijou-kun said you would help me with my condition"

"I can't make any promises about full recovery. I can however, provide you with some heart-to-heart talk, as well as benefits of mineral hot-springs in the nearby caverns, that are used by the nuns of this convent"

"H-H-Heart-to-heart... talk?"

Orsola's gaze became even gentler.

"Indeed. Preaching and studying the word of Lord is not the only task of the nun. Healing hearts and opening them to healing light of grace is equally as important. And I will dedicate myself to it for those in need"

Mugino made a sound that even with most merciful interpretation could be interpreted as anything other than 'mocking'.

When everyone left the baggage in the prepared rooms, and gathered in the living room, it was time for the introduction queue

"I am Gokusai Kaibi. This is Rikuri and Amazora, my sisters, and we are here to support Touma in his own desire to aid Sukemi-san"

"And also to have some lovely family trip" added Rikuri.

"BEACH! BEACH! BEACH!" the third and youngest member of the triad clearly gave away her exictement.

"My my, what lovely ladies Kamijou Touma brought in tow with him"

"Mugino Shizuri, also known as Meltdowner" Mugino spoke, saying no more than needed to be said" I am not here to make friends or anything, I just want to keep that fool in check and see what he gets involved in"

"Ladylee Tangleroad, I also follow Kamijou for similar reasons. He helps me with personal problem. Call me Ladylee. And contrary to miss nuclear reactor, I don't mind company that much. Especially one that can lead me in lethal direction"

"In that moment I am... I mean, I am Shutaura Sequenzia. I am here because of Kamijou's invitation. I am a bodyguard... and a singer, apparently. I shall probably execute both of those roles here... it's a pleasure!"

"Oriana Thomson, a courier. But I don't thing I need introduction to my cute family members, to this scrumptious boy, or to you, Orsola. Though I am not formally a dorm member, we had our fair share of encounters in Necessarius HQ."

"I am pleased to see you in good health" Orsola clasped her hands in the sign of gratitude.

Lucia rubbed her temples

"I swear, this woman dresses more and more indecently each time I see her..."

Index and Touma were already acquainted with both nuns, so afterwards, everyone moved to eat dinner together. It was cooked by Orsola, and Touma's tastebuds were in absolute heaven through and through. The girls also expressed varying degree of

"Got to say, your friends are a bit... well, not what I expected. But they still seem rather nice too" Rin commented.

"That's certainly one way to put it. Sukemi-san, do you have any of those headaches that you told me about?"

"No, I didn't since I awoke in that alley. But it often comes with intervals so it will probably happen soon"

Touma glanced at Shutuara over Rin's shoulder. The raven haired girl nodded.

"Right. Be sure to tell me if you feel worse. This trip is not only for my friends, but for you, first and foremost."

POOF!

Rin's face exploded with redness, her hands going and grasping her white headband as if it was some protective amulet.

"O-Of course... thank you so much for caring..."

As Touma got to his room, he looked around. The space was a little bit unassuming, austere even, but nevertheless welcoming and decently equipped with closet, small library, and spacious, comfortably looking bed.

"Well, I guess everyone is tired. Now, it's time to go to sleep..."

After using the bathroom and changing clothes, he thrown himself onto the bed. After couple of minutes, he glared at the closet.

"'It's time to go to sleep...or so I would like to say, but..."

He got up, walked to the piece of furniture, and abruptly opened its doors.

"WOAH!"

Amazora, Kaibi, Rikuri, and Oriana tumbled outside. Touma gave them flat look, putting a hand on his face.

"How did you get in there?"

"You are talking to... a successful former darksider..." Kaibi muttered, getting herself out of the pile" It's natural we can do some lockpicking"

"It's true. Lock mechanisms are much easier than drones..."Rikuri flashed him a slightly sultry look" Although I wouldn't say that's the best usage my hands can have"

"You practiced that?" Oriana grinned. Touma noticed that she was wearing a pyjama, which reminded him of some sort of see-through dresses worn by exotic dancers.

For that matter...

"Why are you all dressed up as if you are going to..."

Four smiles flashed in front of him, so similar that Touma wouldn't doubt in the blood relationship of the girls even if they were each to drastically change their appearance.

"C-Come on... it's clearly too small for-"

Smiles didn't vanish. In fact, they only got bigger.

"Hmm... nothing I say won't convince you to stop, huh..."

"Nope" quartet of voices sounded.

"Oriana, I wouldn't... I know, we have history and all... but I never thought that you feel like this... f-for... me..."

"Oh?" the busty magician twirled her curls with a more innocent smile, yet with eyes not losing any of the fire" I don't remember ever saying I wasn't interested, boy. And I think the shared interest of my cute cousins was the final straw. Don't you see the pattern of people you hit coming to like you?"

"Oh, right" Amazora remembered" Onii-chan hit both me and Riku nee-san, and now we love him. But Kaibi nee-san jumped out of the garage and was never hit"

"T-That's because I came long way around!"

"I know we once were enemies" continued Oriana" but so were they, isn't that true? When it comes to confessing... I am a firm believer in the practice of actions before words. I am going to make my commitment such that you would accept my proposal without any hesitation."

"A-Alright. I guess, I am really flattered... so if you want, you can..."

"Don't think of sleeping in the bathroom." Kaibi looked at him" You are not getting away from family time"

"Alright, you have your pyjamas on, so I guess... we are all rational here..."

"He tries so hard, it's honestly cute" Oriana whispered to Rikuri, and two oldest girls nodded vigorously.

"You forget about two things."

"What?"

"You have to remove our jewellery, and receive goodnight kisses"

"H-Huh?"

"Unless... you don't want to?"

"Alright, that can't be too bad..."

Touma removed the necklaces and bracelets from necks and wrists of both Kaibi and Rikuri. That in itself wouldn't be anything special, except that the girls shivered every time he touched them, for no apparent reason, which made him slightly hot from such a simple procedure.

Just as he finished putting the accessories away, the girls swiftly formed one line.

'No, that's a legitimate question, did they practice this?'

Amazora looked up at Touma and made a 'pick me up' gesture. Touma grabbed her below the armpits and lifted her to his face level. He planned to give her a kiss on the brow, but the youngest girl in the room surprised everyone by taking the initiative and snatching a quick peck on Touma's lips, and then flashing sassy, completely unapologetic grin.

"A-Amazora! Since when-"

"Tee hee! Onii-chan won't treat me like an adult unless I am being proactive. I promised to stop with thigh flashing seduction until I am older, but I never said anything about surprise kisses!"

"Our little sister is growing up so fast. Soon she will blossom into a beautiful flower of her own making!"

Kaibi gave Touma gentle and subtle kiss, with lips lingering longer and brushing against each other in tender fashion, with boy's hands caressing her hair.

Rikuri went a step further, enveloping him in the hug, and french kissing him while gently sucking his lips at the same time.

As for Oriana...

"Oh, I think I overdid it a bit..."

"You think? That was supposed to be a goodnight kiss! Now he is knocked out, but-"

Oriana initially pushed Touma's face in her chest, which ended up in him kissing that area, and only then kissed him so intensely that he nearly passed out.

"But I only thought it was unfair not to take while giving. Rikuri, you have to try this. Kiss on the chest is pleasant both for him and for us."

"Kai nee-san, can I get a kiss on the chest too?"

"Absolutely not! Come on everybody, it is time to get some rest!"

When Touma came around, he found Rikuri and Oriana sleeping on both sides of him, on the outer side, with Kaibi and Amazora, between older duo and himself.

It took some time, because of his heart rate, temperature and external pressure on his body, but he finally drifted off into sleep.

(IN THE MORNING)

Touma was awoken by the strain of his right arm. He opened his eyes, noticing that the girls were still on their places. Kaibi slept with her lips on his lower neck, while Amazora rolled over (as she had habit of doing) onto his chest and upper belly, snoring without a care in the world. Although at the very least she was light. Compared to Rikuri mumbling something in her sleep while crushing his face with her chest, and Oriana nibbling his ear (seriously, was that sleep habit engraved in Gokusai bloodline's DNA?) and making a bit too graphic sounds upon attempts to pry her off, it wasn't nearly as messy for his hormones.

However, he managed to get his attention to his right hand. It seemed like something was pulling it from the outside. And when he peered beyond the edge of the bed...

He noticed Ladylee spread on the floor and holding his hand to her face in such fashion, that her cheek was practicully within his palm. She looked up and smiled

"Hey~"

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"

Similarly, Ladylee seemed to still retain the habit of scaring the hell out of him upon his awakening.

In the next couple of minutes, Lucia, Orsola, and Mugino, whose rooms were the closest, appeared in the door. Lucia hauled her wooden wheel of St. Catherine, presumably

"What is it? We heard scre-"

Lucia's concern died down as she looked at the chaotic pile of limbs and bodies trying to get up.

"Oh my" Orsola put a hand on her cheek" When we were in Venice, I said three was too many, but I guess I was mistaken"

"Hey, this is not what it-"

"Huh? Drop dead"

Lucia and Mugino both said in the same flat, irritated manner, albeit for two different reasons.

'Shit! I postponed going to him because I didn't want to give some half-assed performance due to tiredness. That blond bimbo really drove like crazy, and even I needed rest. But I see they wasted no time. Shit, shit, shit!'

However, Mugino didn't have time to unleash her wrath outwardly.

"You... you..."

Because in that moment, trembling and flustered Lucia smashed her wheel to the ground, causing an explosion of sharp wooden fragments.

"You indecent heathen!"

(AN HOUR LATER)

It took quite a bit of apologizing for Lucia to reverse her magic and regenerate her wheel, which caused all the wood to be (painfully) removed all at once from Touma's arm, Ladylee's entire body, and Oriana Thomson's butt, which was, rather curiously, sticking outside of the sheets through entire time. The blond wanted Touma to remove it by hand, but this actually convinced the fuming nun to revoke the punishment herself.

At the very least, Touma didn't get bit or had to pose an embarrassment to Rin. Both of them awakened after everything was done, as their rooms were further away from his and so they only met at breakfast.

"Good morning Touma-kun"

And another person on the breakfast was also Arisa.

"Orsola-san prepared truly an amazing breakfast. Can I seat by you?"

Well, first come, first served, Touma spent breakfast near Arisa's side, with other's quickly gathering and taking free seat around.

"How was she?" Touma mouthed to the girl, when the others went to take food.

"According to Shutaura's log before we switched after midnight, nothing happened out of ordinary. I might have dozed off a little bit... b-but I can assure you she didn't leave her room"

"Arisa, we have to be extra careful. Sukemi-san's alternative self can manipulate sharpness. She can cut through walls with ease. Luckily, I think I have a skill that can counter her ability"

"You do?"

"Yes. I think she will switch soon. That's why I want you to have this..."

(YET AGAIN, AN HOUR LATER)

As much as the cliffs, beach and ocean were charming and beautiful, there was one major disadvantage. The steep stairs in the cliff, leading to the beach from a small herb garden on the convent's grounds, were very, very long. For the first time, Touma really wished he could levitate like Maidono or create wings for himself like Kakine Teitoku.

Finally, he arrived at the bottom.

"I don't want to imagine going up..." he panted out.

He was also carrying the things of his roommates, so he let them down to rest for a moment, when...

"LOOK OUT BELOW!"

Touma instinctively jumped to the side, when something fell with high speed and splashed itself into red mush.

Touma looked in bewilderment and then facepalmed.

The messed up body twitched, the blood that was in the vicinity returning inside. Bones joined together, limbs and neck re-aligned, muscles and ligaments fixed themselves, internal organs filled up and reattached as the skin began to cover the fallen corpse. Fully naked Ladylee gasped, and raised up, her skull and head being the last thing to regenerate. She stretched out, checking the mobility of her joints, while looking around.

"Mmmm! So that's our beach?!"

"Don't change the subject. You nearly crushed me! Unlike you, I can't revive like it's nothing" Touma said, covering the remaining blood with sand.

"I warned you to step aside, didn't I?"

"Would it kill you to... okay, that's the wrong way to put it in your case... would it be such a problem to just go down normally? And why are you naked?"

"Dropping myself was more efficient and faster. When you are immortal, you stop bothering with risky manouvers. And why would I stain my swimsuit with blood? Of course I plunged myself from the cliff naked, are you mental?"

"What do I have with you..."

"You got here fast" came voice of Mugino Shizuri, prompting the two to turn back.

With tea-coloured hair fluttering in the wind, look of superiority, and the elegant crimson panties with black stripe, combined with royal burgundy bra, Mugino presented elegance and charm befitting some otherworldly being of great beauty.

"You look amazing, Shizuri"

"You had any doubts?" she asked with confidence.

"No, I suppose not"

"Good answer. As a reward, I will allow you to cream my back"

Touma gulped.

"T-That sounds like a risky idea..."

"Oh, come on, I know you want to. Be a good boy and rub it on" Mugino said, spreading a blanket on the sand.

"Is that what it is? Because to me it sounds more like you are the one who want to get felt u- UWOAGH?!"

Ladylee's quip was broken by prosthetic fist colliding with her face.

In the end, Touma managed to somehow manage to put cream on Mugino before the arrival of others. Although this wasn't actually all that helpful, considering that Oriana and Rikuri also wanted cream put on, which ended up in everyone getting very vocal about it, alongside Kaibi and Index getting irritated because of the swarm of attention around the boy.

However, finally, there was time to engage in something more relaxing.

Mugino stretched out on the sun. Arisa and Kaibi prepared cold drinks for everybody. Amazora made sandcastles with Ladylee, and from the looks of it, they were achieving some absurd architectonic details. Rikuri were floating on a small inflated mattress, splashing her feet in the water. Orsola was also present, finding refuge from the sunlight and reading an old book and taking a muffin from the small box on the portable table she set up close to her.

That left Touma and Rin, who decided to go alongside the shore for a stroll. Touma did so to gather the seashells, in hope to make the matching souvenir necklaces for Hasako and Maidono, and also to spend some time with the girl, who was the main reason for them to be there.

It was honestly easy to dismiss Sukemi Rin's presence, given how shy and unassuming she tended to be in her regular self. Right now, she was wearing a slightly frilly, blue bathing suit, that was more on a 'cute' rather than 'sexy' side.

The rift that unintentionally happened between them actually made Touma quite sad. Did that neglect caused her to fall prey to his own darkness and caused the bothersome personality split?

"Kamijou-kun... I am really thankful that you brought me here... I-I never imagined you would spare me a moment... you seem distant those days..."

What did they have before? Were they friends? Sure, they still were ones, but maybe there was something more than that involved in the past than being just two classmates. Touma's heart genuinely felt like he wanted to reconnect with those feelings and memories of the past, feelings and memories he knew were forever lost, among so many others.

"Rin-san... there is an explanation... you see, I..."

"I already know" Rin smiled, fiddling her fingers" Don't worry, it's alright"

"You do? But..."

"Hasako-san told me. She is really nice and I know your reasons now"

"Oh... t-that's a relief then..."

Maybe because of the desperate need to reach the bond that once was lost, both teens didn't question what exactly each of them 'knew'. That would prove a possible seed of heartbreak... or would it?

"I know that I am not pretty or smart, just an average girl from an average town, being averagely talentless... but I still couldn't help but admire you... n-not that I was watching you... well, I was watching you, because you were so inspiring, but... j-just because you were always busy, I couldn't bring myself.."

Rin turned herself into mumbling, blushing mess, as she quickly covered her face with her hands. However, Touma only smiled and shook his head

"I am sorry for not noticing that you were feeling left out. But if you don't mind me asking, what do you like about me?"

"H-Hwah? W-What do I like..." Rin lowered her head, blush reaching her ears" I-I guess we never talked about it outright when we were younger, did we? W-Well, I lo... l-like your acceptance a lot. You are tolerant, but you also won't stand for injustice in front of you. You don't see yourself as a hero, but you are still just as brave and courageous. You are so friendly to everyone and genuinely want to see everyone smile. There are so many things I could... talk about... eeep!"

It seemed like the girl's confidence reached the breaking point and she became silent.

"Sukemi-san, I am sorry that you felt so invisible."

"I-It's fine. I am thankful you are here trying to help me fight my illness..."

"But that's not enough. I don't want it to end at just that. You are not forgettable, Sukemi-san."

"Rin..."

"What?"

"Please... call me Rin. Like you used to"

"Oh, I am sorry. Are you... were you feeling lonely, Rin-san?"

The girl was silent, as she and Touma bent down to reach for couple shells.

"Not really. Unlike in my early years, people in our class are being nice to me. Plus I can always reach out to Kazari if I wanted to. I didn't see her in some time, but I heard that she is doing great as the protector of the city..."

"Wait? Kazari? You mean Uiharu-san?"

"Huh? You know her?"

"Yeah, she is my good acquaintance of mine, friend of a friend. I met her couple of times by now. How do you know her"

"She is my family. Our grandmothers were sisters, so were second-cousi-Ah?! Kamijou-kun?!"

Touma partially covered Rin's headband with his hand and narrowed his eyes.

"Hmm... yup. Some things are different, but I can totally see it. Add flowers and change the hue of hair and we have Uiharu-san. Man, in recent times, I am constantly reminded that the world is not such a big place when it comes to people and their bonds, but this is just amazing. We should go meet her together"

Rin wanted to comment on that, but a gentle cough broke the moment.

"Excuse me, miss Sukemi, but could I borrow him for a moment?"

"Oh, Aquinas-san, o-of course"

"Please call me Orsola, miss Sukemi. You are my guest and deserve all the hospitality. Which reminds me, please come with me to the caverns before dinner. Would that be agreeable?"

"Yes, Aqu... Orsola-san"

"Well then..."

"Rin-san, we shall catch up later, I promise"

And so, Touma walked away with Orsola, who innocently looked at him with question in her eyes.

"Why do you look up?"

'Because even though it's not nearly as extravagant as Mugino's, you look absolutely sexy in that one-piece and I can't concentrate in a million years'

"Is the heat getting to you? Maybe you won't to lean on me..."

BOING!

The pressure of breasts on his body from Orsola yet another innocent but hormone-boosting action caused the boy to break contact immediately.

It was partially due to this gentle innocence that Orsola had such an effect on Touma each and every time. She was akin to the incarnation of long-searched dorm manager onee-san virtue, and few women could have said to have such effect on Touma's psyche... and body.

He didn't break the contact because he wanted to. He did it because he felt like he was about to self-combust from the overload the oblivious nun just got him into.

"O-O-Orsola-san, in what this poor Kamijou can help you with on this fine day?"

"First of all, I hope you and your friends have fun."

"Well, I think they do. I will spend some time with them now."

"Splendid. Of course, I would also like to speak to you about the situation that transpires with your troubles. We have some catching up to do"

"OF COURSE!"

He was a little bit too enthusiastic in that exclamation. Orsola giggled.

"But before that, there is one more person that I want you to talk with."

"Someone I should talk with? Who?"

"Sister Lucia"

"Lucia? Why?"

"I realize this is a bit of an off-track errand compared to this important issue you have at hand, but it is important when it comes to Agnese Sanctis. You see, word is that you caused a huge shift in Agnese Force's political standing and ideology, their fanaticism mellowing down. One can even say that among non-catholics, you are certainly Agnese Sanctis' favourite. Other nuns in her force also changed her views and uphold respectable opinions of you. But Lucia..."

"Doesn't want to warm up, huh?"

"Well, I think it's quite the opposite. If she simply hated you, then she wouldn't be... well, so vehement in hating you. Apparently, she is quite vocal in slandering you"

"Wow, it makes me real motivated to talk to her"

"No, that's not as you think about it. Lucia is confused what to make with the fact that he actually appreciates your doings. She doesn't know how to react, so she copes with it by venting the frustration in the way she knew before. Except, right now it's not what the other members of Agnese Forces think and sister Agnese is actually... quite annoyed with people who badmouth you. That created a feud with sister Lucia."

"Agnese really defended me? I didn't know that she had it in her heart. I could so hug her right now! Wait, so what you are saying is... Lucia actually likes me?"

(MEANWHILE)

Thousands of kilometers away, in the silence of the mass, Agnese Sanctis sneezed, right during the pause between chants. The attention she gathered caused her to blush and quickly focus on her prayer book, as if the letters suddenly gained completely new, alien meaning.

(****)

Much closer to Touma and Orsola, in convent's laundry room, Lucia sneezed loudly, before looking around with eybrows knitted. For some reason, she felt like she was an object of greater attention than usual.

(BACK ON THE BEACH)

"She certainly appreciates your action during the Regina Del Mare Adriatico incident. You saved her and sister Angelene back then, and she was forced to re-evaluate her opinion on you. Ever since, she is struggle to admit she has degree of admiration for you. It is more than just a mere denial. She was the most extreme and devout of Agnese Forces. And if my theories regarding her heritage, this sort of thing is in her blood."

"Her heritage?"

Orsola took of a book she was reading earlier and salvaged few photos.

"Lucia, as well as Agnese and Angelene, was left in the care of the nuns as a child. Agnese's parents were killed, Angelene's left her mid-trip, but as for Lucia, she was a mystery for a long time. I was taking care of them when they were small, and as they started to grow, I began to have my suspicions..."

Touma looked at one of the photos.

"Why is there an age-progressed photo of Lucia here?"

"That's not her. It's someone with who you are indirectly familiar with. She was the one who once hired Oriana Thomson and threatened Academy City... a nun specializing in converting the unconvertible... Lidvia Lorenzetti. You are familiar with her comrade, Biagio Busoni"

"Yeah, I heard that name before. But she and Lucia... it's as if someone took Lucia-san and maxed up onee-san factor... especially that look in their eyes when they are mad..."

"Similarities don't end there. I have strong suspicions that there is a link, meticulously hidden, between those two. Lidvia is very high-ranked clergy member. Her having a daughter would create a tumult within the church. I was acquainted with her in my earliest days as a nun-in-training. We both shared a passion for preaching to the ones on the edges of community, but our ways diverged when her more extremist tendencies manifested. Although, with the chance of some relation existing between Lidvia and Lucia, that covers some ugly secrets of the church..."

Orsola paused, zoning out a little. After a few moments, she resumed

"...I like to think that Lidvia did so not only to protect her reputation, but also to protect her child as well. Lidvia had countless enemies who would hurt the child in many ways to get to her, constantly endangering it. Disposing of it before birth, especially in the view of such a conservative member of the church, was out of question. Lucia, in contrast to Agnese and Angelene who we found, was delivered straight to my doorstep. Maybe someone knew where to put her to keep away, but still close enough..."

Orsola then shook her head and waved her hand

"But I am getting off track here. It's Agnese and Angelene's plea for you two to try to get along. Now, please go to your friends, I won't bother you until we manage to speak alone later."

"You never bother me, Orsola-san"

"Hmm hmm, thank you"

(20 MINUTES LATER)

"So the idea is to play volleyball. Isn't that cool?" Amazora tugged on Touma's swimming shorts.

"Are you sure those teams are well balanced?

"We have commando onee-chan, me, you, and Kai onee-chan against midget, Riku onee-chan, scary looking onee-chan, and Ori onee-chan"

"Well, sure, it doesn't look bad at the first glance but..."

"Oh no, Touma, we shall have this match" Kaibi spoke with a fire in her eyes" Let's show that stuck up elitarist where is her place"

"Bring it on! I will take anything you throw at me and return to sender. Touma, don't you dare to hold back!"

"Did those two manage to get into fight when I was gone?"

"To be fair, there was a lot of wonderful time too. Although right now the intensity is... a bit..." Rikuri stumbled on words.

"And I will be the judge" Index waved at them" I already received the offers of feeding me two lunch courses if I give a team victory. Who can go higher?"

'And the fairness of the judge went to hell! Well, at least Othinus is there to keep things relatively fine'

The game began and Touma quickly realized that some of them were playing just a regular beach volleyball, while for the others...

"What's the matter? Can't go all out against your best friend?"

"Stop using that annoying ability of yours, damn it!"

Kaibi served strongly, but Ladylee managed to reach the ball in time and counter it, sending it straight for Amazora. Luckily, Touma managed to also direct the ball on the other side of the improvised net.

Mugino was clearly done and Touma instinctively sensed the battle spirit roaring within her moment before the girl slammed the serve so strongly that it zoomed past the net and to the far reach of their playing field.

But one person opposed it.

"Arisa!"

The idol in the body of a soldier was pushed back against the mighty spin of the ball. But...

"In this body, even I can prevail such an attack!"

And she served back, putting all of the strength of Shutaura's muscles into enduring the force of the spinning ball...

"Haaaaaaaaaaayaaaaaaah!"

And serving it strongly back across the field, straight onto Gokusai Rikuri.

The poor girl paled at the sight of high speed projectile.

"Oh n-"

She was hit in the stomach, causing her face to contort as the ball drilled into her body

"Uuuuuuuuugh..."

In the honour of Rikuri's valiant, unathletic effort, let's do an instant replay...

"Uuuuuuuuugh..."

"Uuuuuuuuugh..."

... from two different perspectives.

Arisa's serve was strong enough for the ball to rebound from Rikuri's body, into the air.

'Fuck! I won't reach it!' Mugino said, dashing desperately to the ball, which reached its greatest height, about to fall down.

However, someone beat her to it.

"Don't worry cousin, I will avenge you" Oriana jumped confidently in the air, placing the hands with insides of palms out on her breasts" Also, you have to use our genetics to the fullest like this"

She pushed the hands back mid-flight, causing her breasts to slightly squish under them. And when the ball hit them, she relaxed the tension of her muscles, causing the stored energy to be released and her bust rebounded slightly, catapulting the ball forward.

"She used her chest as a catapult... what on keijo is tha-"

Touma was hit straight on the face, falling backwards. Although it hurt, he could forgive, given he was hit by such a technique.

As he fell down, Mugino groaned

"We are each down by one, it seems"

"Does that mean onii-chan was indirectly stuffing his face into Ori nee-chan's boobs?"

As always, Amazora seemed to pinpoint essential questions.

"Rikuri-san, Touma, you can rest on the side. I will go in your place" Index said, getting Touma up.

"And I will keep an eye on the actual score" Othinus offered.

"Rin-san, would you be a dear and play in my place too?" Rikuri wheezed out.

"O-Oh? Alright... I don't have much of an experience though"

"Don't worry, Index doesn't have it either"

(15 MINUTES LATER)

Touma spent his recovery massaging Rikuri's stomach and diaphragm, to the girl's warm gratitude.

"I know I told you that many times, but your hands are incredible. If I could sell my soul for being massaged like this all day..."

"You don't have to go that far."

"Oh? Is that a promise?"

"W-What? I... I don't..."

"I am just teasing you. I don't mean it like that, this time at least. I just... ever since we started to live together and ever since I started to truly fall in love with you, I can't help but marvel at your ability to make the three of us felt loved and cared for... you intoxicated my heart more than any poison I could make... oh? It's still adorable that your big sis can make you so flustered through my teasing... and on the more serious note... mom contacted me again"

"Yua-san did? Why?"

"She is always very persistent, I believe Amazora takes after that characteristic the most... but what was most unusual, is that she requested the talk with you specifically. If Kaibi heard about this, she would probably tell you to make mom go to hell. But since it's me... can I ask you..."

Touma put a finger on her lips with a smile of his own.

"I already promised myself to make your family too. After all of this is resolved, I will go meet with her."

Rikuri nodded, wiping small tears that formed in her eyes.

"Thank you. Nothing would make me happier than 6 of us as family, alongside our new friends"

"6 of us?"

"Me, Amazora, Kaibi, mother, Oriana nee-san... and you, silly"

"Oh, right..." Touma smiled sheepishly" Thanks"

Afterwards, as Rikuri stated she felt much better, Touma walked away.

The volleyball game lost more players, but Kaibi, Oriana, Mugino, and Amazora didn't seem to slow down.

"You found yourself quite a lively company" spoke voice next to him.

He turned back to notice Arisa...

No...

That wasn't her. Her eyes changed, having pink halo around the pupil, similar to a luminous nebula in the darkness of space.

"Mitsumi?"

"That's right"

"Since when?"

"I switched with Arisa... 5 minutes ago, I think. Got to say, that was one hell of a game. Those girls don't pull punches"

She smiled at Touma.

"By the way, I love the name you given me."

"Even Shutaura side within you loves it?"

"It's bold of you to assume I... Shutara's part of me... doesn't like anything cute"

Firmly believing that calling the girl a 'fusion' simply wouldn't do, Touma thought of a name, although in his opinion it wasn't really anything all that special. He simply took the kanji for "Three" and "Mind" and put them together, using traditional japanese and name-stylized reading. Thus came Mitsumi, literally meaning 'Third mind'

"I still love it. Would you mind coming behind this cliff for a moment?"

As the fusion of two dragged him beside the rocks, she exhaled and turned around, twirling before Touma.

"How do I look?"

"Black bikini with blue flames... but with frilly swimsuit panties..."

"I understand your confusion. I am still... forming, so to speak." Mitsumi pouted, deep in thought" Sometimes I get contrasting urges. A little bit like having to indulge those weird food cravings during pregnancy."

"Nevertheless, it looks really good on you"

"Thanks. I want to look good for you. Not just because of Shutaura and Arisa, but as myself too."

"So... I think you didn't get to me here to talk about swimsuits"

"Touma-kun, are you disappointed by chance? But you are right, I want to tell you... that I think it will happen tonight. Call it an intuition, but I think Rin-san's dark self is bound to awaken"

"Are you keeping the gloves in safe place?"

"Yes. Thank you by the way, that felt like a proposal."

"T-Those are a failsafe. I am pretty sure it's a good counter, so..."

"Don't worry. You can leave Rin-san to me. I am sure it will work out, one split-minded to another"

"That's good then. I still... have to talk to her when she is in that state though... Mitsumi-san? Why are you..."

"Oh, what can the girl possibly do with a boy while they are hidden from view like this? You thought that I will be too timid, like I was when I was Arisa, or too prideful, like from my past as Shutaura? Hah, you are too short-sighted, Touma-kun. In this case, those characteristics mixed together and formed a perfect equilibrium. Kind of like chemicals do, ask Rikuri-san about it. And having three minds in one body gives me a perfect excuse to do this..."

She planted a gentle kiss on Touma's left cheek.

"From Arisa...

She then moved and placed a stronger, more fierce kiss on his right cheek.

"From Shutaura..."

Finally, she positioned herself in front of shocked boy, and kissed him on the lips, combining two styles in the span of 10 seconds.

"And this one's for me... that is, from all of us"

Even though Mitsumi was the new quality with all the combined memories and experiences of Arisa and Shutaura, and she assured to have achieved some form of equilibrium in romance, the blush he saw in front of his eyes was unmistakably an Arisa-like characteristic. It was still strange seeing it on Shutaura's face.

"See you!"

(10 MINUTES LATER)

Kamijou Touma floated, allowing his thoughts to drift freely like the water around him.

There were many things he needed to take care of.

His own darkness, Sukemi Rin's split self, their shared past, Gokusai Yua and her interest in meeting him. Additional cases of Lucia and Izumi Riita, as well as couple of others.

He needed to protect the future and ensure that it would come to be the way he wanted to. If he could be selfish in something, if he could reach out and seize even part of this happiness through his own power, he would do it.

He also wondered how his friends were doing. He didn't see Enka-san. Were he and his girlfriend happy now? He didn't think he would miss fart-smelling, stalker-turned- ally but overall, he was a really nice guy. Touma wished him well.

In his dreams, he sometimes conversed with emanations of his abilities, the group of dragons lurking beyond his arm. Despite the differences between each of them, and between himself and them as the group, he thought that he bonded with them as well as he could. He was still surprised just how much of a diverse bunch they were.

Out of 8 dragons that supported him during Daihaseisai, one seemed to be gone, the rest could not tell if permanently or not. And from the remaining 7, only one ability was left to be trained. The one eyed cobra dragon poison manipulation. Besides shadow ability of fear induction, this particular skill was not resonating well with Touma's nature.

But something was telling him that in times to come, he might need absolutely everything he could get. Maybe he could get the help of Rikuri or Hanatsuyu twins with this particular power.

BA-DUMP!

Suddenly, he felt a cold pain in his chest. He clenched his heart and splashed in the water, as terrifying cold grasped his heart and shot through body like a chilly wave of agony.

He noticed a glow in the water and noticed that his right arm shifted in form.

It became composed of flames that were burning even under water.

Then it shifted again, turning into ice-like crystals.

Then again, becoming cloud of living darkness.

Again, forming a self-contained, liquid appendage, that caused water around it to steam.

Again, crackling like lighting, and gleaming with golden energy.

The shifts became faster and faster, and with them, the pain intensified. And just when Touma was about to pass out, it stopped. Everything returned to normal.

'What... what on earth was that?'

While saying that everything returned to normal, the omission was the fact that Touma lost strength in his body and was now drowning to the bottom of the ocean.

'Damn it... I will think about this later, I don't have strength to move... I have to get out of here'

The water was impossibly deep, but still enough for someone to drown themselves, shall they lose the ability to swim for some reason.

Touma heard a splashing sound in the distance. And few seconds later, small shape loomed around him.

'Amazora?'

The small girl swam closer and locked lips with him.

But this time it was not due to any shenanigans.

'She shared her air with me... Amazora, you... wait'

Touma made few gestures at the girl who still didn't make any attempts to go back up. She replied. If deciphered, they would mean something like this

'Amazora... you can't still swim well, can you?'

'M-Mhm...'

'So... you are stuck here too?'

'Emm...'

'Why did you jump in if you can't swim?'

'I wanted to save you, onii-chan. Don't be mad, I just jumped before I thought.'

It was clear that they couldn't stay there. But just as Touma strained himself to reach the girl, someone picked him up and slowly raised, painstakingly so, to the surface.

They resurfaced, gasping for air. Rikuri, with her long hair sticking to her face and floating on the water, panted heavily, gritting her teeth.

"Onee-chan?"

"Good... news... is... I managed to got you up..."

"Rikuri-san?"

"And the bad is... I don't have strength... to support two of you at oncaaaagghhh..."

The fell back to the water and disappeared into the depth

(5 MINUTES LATER)

"What the hell?! Why the fuck did you jump in if you couldn't save him to the end?"

In the end, it was Mugino who had both skills and strength to pull everyone out, as three of the nearly-drowned lied down on the beach.

"We are sorry..." muttered two sisters.

"You okay?" Mugino, wringing out the salt water out of her hair, looked at Touma" It's not like you to just drown like that"

"Yeah, just... felt queasy, but it's fine now. Thank you, a lot"

"Tch, don't mention it. Just don't kill myself when I am not around"

(AN HOUR LATER)

They later moved back into the convent. It was the time for rest and recreation and it was in that time Touma attempted to break ice with Lucia, as she was cleaning the dinning room.

'Well, there is one more reason Lucia may be wary about you, given your reported bad fortune. As proper and strict as she is, she has a small secret. You see...'

Touma shook his head. He shouldn't worry in advance.

"Hey, Lucia-san."

The nun slowly looked at him, before stiffly nodding.

'Wow, this is awkward...'

"So... how is Angelene?"

Lucia sighed, polishing the plates.

"She is alright. Still needs a lot to learn and is painfully often swayed by sinful distractions. But she is of good health and has promising future in front of her if guided right."

"Oh... in that case, please tell her I said hi when you go back to her"

"You know, if you are going to just awkwardly stand here, you can at least help me out with tidying up"

"Yeah, sure..."

They worked together with silence for a moment, before the blond clicked her tongue and faced him.

"Actually, Angelene wanted me to say 'hi' to you too... and also... I-I..."

"Lucia-san?"

The nun clenched her fists. She was only minimally shorter than him, so when she approached him, they were almost looking eye to eye.

"Th...Th-Th...Th-Th-Th...Tha...Tha...Thatha...Than..."

'Is her body physically refusing for her to thank me? Also, with that blush of frustration and exaggerated expression, it looks more cute than threatening, if anything'

"Arrrgh! Fine. I am... sort of... grateful. When I was saved by you, I never really had the chance to talk. I am one thing, but you also saved Angelene... I may be strict when it comes to that girl, but I love her like a little sister. My mother abandoned me, so Agnese Forces are my family, especially sisters Agnese and Angelene So, for that alone, you have my... my gratitude..."

"Lucia-san... there was no way I could just leave you..."

"You could and I wouldn't be surprised. I... as much as I devote myself to the teachings of the gospel and as much as I still see you as a menace who needs discipline... I admit that I wronged you. No, in my blindness, I trampled over the commandment of love and forgiveness and treated you worse than pile of faeces. When you came to rescue us, I simply couldn't believe it."

"Why? Why can't you believe in my good intentions?"

"I couldn't accept you because I couldn't stomach the fact... that some foreign heathen was better at embodying christian virtue than me, a nun who spent years practicing it"

"Huh? I certainly didn't act to realize some virt-"

"Yet in the end, you did. Even sister Agnese admitted that. It was hard for me to think I could learn something from you... it took time, but I finally accepted it. That our group changed through you. It was just hard to admit... and talk to you about it"

"So... that's this mean we are cool..."

Lucia was silent for a moment, before there was a silent 'swish' sound.

She extended her hand, while looking away in other direction.

Touma looked at it warily.

"Can I take it? Last time I touched you, you looked as if you were going to explode... and you did blew up your wheel in front of me..."

"J-Just take it and shake it, that was then and this is now. Don't make this any more awkward"

And so, Touma took Lucia's hand and shook it.

The nun coughed and moved back

"J-Just so we are clear, I still think you are impossibly-"

And then, Lucia tripped on the rug, falling backwards to the floor. She hit the plate on the edge of the table, which was sent flying high into the air.

"Watch out!"

Touma tried to catch Lucia, but failed to do so, instead landing on her, and...

RIIIIIIIIIIIP!

"HYAAAAAAH?!"

He accidentally grasped the material of her habit and as they fell, the pressure from his hold stretched it to the point that it ripped on her chest level.

Lucia went pale and began to get up, lifting Touma alongside her. But as she did, the plate from above smashed on Touma's head. The boy blacked out for a moment, his head misfortunately landed in the torn place on Lucia's chest. As the girl was already getting up, the weight of Touma's head and gravity did their work, the material tearing all the way down, finishing with Touma falling to the floor.

The habit split in two, leaving the girl almost naked, excluding white panties, black stockings, and a headpiece.

And then, to put a cherry on top, Touma, with blood from the collision with the plate trickling down the face, got up, being straight between Lucia's legs.

'Sister Lucia has a secret. Ever since she was small...'

The nun exploded in red hue, pronouncing her blue eyes.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

'... she had a tendency to fall prey to double-entendre accidents... just like you'

When the alerted Index came over, even Touma had to admit that it would be rather difficult to explain red-faced Lucia running away almost naked, with red around her bottom half (not from her own blood), while he stood with the fragments of the plate in his hair, blood (his own) on one half of his face, and red hand imprint on the other.

Even with all the mercy and tolerance Index seemed to develop recently, he was unable to escape the bite of wrath this time around.

(DOWN BY THE BEACH)

"It seems like they are having fun" Orsola smiled, looking at the convent above, before walking inside and submerging herself in the water" Are you comfortable, miss Rin?"

"Yes, thank you... that's a very nice place, Orsola-san"

Two of them were alone in the entry of the caverns near the beach they were on hours ago. The cavern contained 5 pools of warm water, coming from underground and infused with calcium, bromine and iodine salts, as well as magnesium and sulphates. According to Orsola, when tides changed, cooler oceanic water got in, creating curtains of mist and steam.

"I agree. We can look at the ocean and the rising moon, the water caresses your body with just the right temperature..."

Orsola inhaled deeply through her nose, and exhaled with glee, shifting in the water

"... the smell of the water pleases your sinuses, and sounds of the waves sooths your soul."

Even if Rin was slightly nervous about being alone with Orsola, she felt that the effect of the springs were incredible.

Said enjoyment lasted throughout couple of minutes in silence, before Rin asked

"Orsola-san?"

"Hmm? Yes, miss Rin?"

"Why... why all of this is done for me? By Kamijou-kun... and by you?"

Orsola opened her eyes, looking at the moon.

"Because Kamijou Touma is worried about you. Because you are aching. And because I sense similarity between you and me"

"H-How so? We just met!"

"Yes, and in this sense, I can't say I know you. But looking at you... and the way you look at everyone else... I can sense the desire to belong. To exist. To be needed."

"N-No, I don't... I mean, it's not really all that impor-"

"Do not speak little of that" Orsola shook her head" There is nothing wrong in desire to be seen. If it was a bad thing in itself, then it wouldn't make difference if were dead or alive. We could live our life without anyone else..."

"I don't think I understand..."

"You don't need to think about what others need of you. What Kamijou Touma needs of you to be. You love him, don't you? The look in your eyes is years old, it didn't happen overnight."

Rin opened her mouth but then closed it again, sinking into the water.

"I just want to say that it's okay to desire closeness. If you come through the life with no witness, it makes you think that you could not ever be alive in the first place. But you live for yourself. So please, ask yourself this: what is it that you want to be for him?"

"What I want to be?"

"If you scared that you can't give him what others can, making others go away or changing oneself will not solve the problem. Because what you would like to give him something that speaks of you. You are not 'the other one', you are you. You are gifted with more beauty and talent than you see in yourself. It's just that moment in which those are seen didn't come yet"

"Why... why are you so sure of that, Orsola-san?"

"Because you are yet to accept who you are. And when you do, you'll become as beautiful as I see you can be."

"You said we were similar. Did you also... thought that you had to be someone other than yourself?"

"Some time ago, during a conflict of great scale, great peril was posed and threatened to befall ones I cherish. Everything were expected to oppose the threat in combat. Yet my weapon is word and teaching of the Lord. I do not possess skill nor strength necessary for such fight, it is also in contrast to the virtue of peace I choose to uphold. But back then, I was so desperate that I discard my own capacities, things that were truly my own, in the name of someone who wasn't really me. But a very brave, reckless, and truly kind person managed to reach out to me despite danger I posed to him and make me realize what truly mattered to me and that all I really needed was my own part to play, however it could be judged by others. He touched my heart, and felt it with light. This memory will never leave me."

Orsola got up, moonlight coming through the entrance to the cavern reflecting the water on her skin and bosom, as her short hair fluttered slightly on the breeze that blew from over the ocean.

"Due to certain circumstances, that boy has trouble forming a 'fated bond' with a single person. It can be even said that due to his ability, he transcends and negates fate itself. That's the reason, besides his own virtuous actions, through which he gathers so much attention. But one can always imagine that this fated love is out there, somewhere..."

"So I should... believe? Even if I am not chosen, wasn't one, or never will be?"

"No one knows the fate's course and one shan't put a limit to will of the Lord. You don't know if he will never find you, and never love you. But as a consolation, even though you don't have certainty now, you do have a possibility to change."

"And I have to put faith that something, that can be, is?

"Nunc autem manent fides, spes, caritas, tria hæc: major autem horum caritas est." Orsola quoted, before stepping outside and dressing herself" Faith is only one of three theological virtues. Two remain: hope that what might be, will be. And love towards the one, that came to be and is."

Before Rin could continue, a sharp pang of pain reverberated in her skull.

"My head..."

"Oh dear, I shall escort you to your room. Is it alright?"

"Yes, thank you for the talk. You are really nice, Orsola-san"

"I am always glad to speak with those open to listen. Now, come out, you should get some rest"

"But I promised, Kamijou-san to inform him when..."

"I will do so in your stead"

(AN HOUR LATER)

Sukemi Rin awoke in the darkness of her room.

Her lips stretched to their limits as she jumped off her bed.

"Those fools... they didn't even chain me. Not that it would do shit against my ability"

She smiled and looked in the direction of the door, raising her arm.

"Now, let's cut some way out and arrange a little bloodbath"

However her arm collided in something in mid-swing, causing her to muffle the cry of pain.

'I hit something... that I didn't cut? Impossible! But... it hurts!'

"Hello there!"

The lights switched on, and Mitsumi appeared over Rin.

"It's actually rather exciting to meet someone with split personality, like me. I even overstayed myself, I will have to apologize to Shutaura later on. My name is Mitsu-"

"You bitch! What did you do to my ability?"

"Nothing. I just had someone make me a very useful tool..."

The fusion of two girls was wearing black gloves that had a whitish-blue shine to them.

Kamijou Touma used one of his newly found abilities to coat said gloves in thin, almost translucent layer of ice-like crystal that was many times harder than diamond. And just like her predicted, not even sharpness manipulation could best it.

"To be honest, I am even more in love now. Who needs ring when a boy gives you such a fine accessory?"

"I WILL KILL YOU!"

Rin executed a kick, causing Mitsumi to jump back. For a couple of minutes, girls sparred in risky match, with raven haired beauty either blocking hits with the gloves or evading them by twisting or sidestepping.

"You can sharpen your entire body, correct? This is quite problematic ability if it touches me anywhere but on the hands. I would be in much trouble."

"Would? I AM STILL GOING TO CARVE YOU UP!"

"Oh, really?"

Suddenly, someone grabbed Rin by the legs.

It was Ladylee Tangleroad.

"Why, you-"

But that distraction was all Mitsumi needed.

In the next moment, fist connected with Rin's jaw and her consciousness was blown away like a candle.

Apparently, she was unconscious only for 5 minutes. When she came around, she was sitting by the wall, observed by two girls.

"You bitches, I am gonna-"

"Careful. I placed couple of mini-bombs on you" Mitsumi pointed forward" My ability can activate them faster than you can cut them. It will only slightly wreck the room, but it won't be pretty for you. So sit still. We are not here to fight, only to talk"

"Why do you think that you will get anything out of me?"

"Oh, I don't think we will get anything" Ladylee chuckled, crouching down" We will be getting lots and lots of things out of you"

Rin spat on her face. Ladylee smiled thinly and wiped the saliva off, as dark alter ego snarled at her

"I do not know how are you still alive, but I am going to kill you. I am going to do this even if you blow my body up"

"You can try, don't expect good results though. I am immortal, you see"

"Are you seriously mocking me, even now? When we fight again, you will learn what pain is. Fear me, because I can torture you in the ways that will make you beg for death"

Ladylee stared at her before laughing heartily and narrowing her eyes.

"That's it? Did you really think that one meagre form of torture will phase me? Was that your attempt to intimidate me? Good job, keep trying. But I doubt that I will be the one afraid. You want to know fear? Then fear me: because lived through all the torture. Begging for death? I beg for death in each moment of this wretched life! You want to slice me? I already know that too well"

Something akin to uncertainty for the first time flashed in Dark Rin's eyes

"What?"

"Let me rephrase that... I was sliced countless times. I was also shot, I exploded, was poisoned, drugged, cut to pieces, hung, burned, frozen, melted away, shredded, sawn, torn, ripped apart, crushed, cut, stabbed, diced, decapitated, bled out, hit by bats and clubs. I tried to contract pneumonia, tuberculosis, malaria, cholera, VD, give myself a heart attack, clog my airways, I was disintegrated, I smoked, I drank, I induced the indigestion, I jumped off the plane, I drowned, drank contaminated water, exposed myself to radiation, poison gases, viruses, toxins, I was buried by avalanches and earth, crushed by crowds and animals, fell confined in the elevator, was exposed to vacuum, suffocated by smog, blown to bits by a cyclone, consumed by lava, swept by the flood, encountered black death, experienced several airplane accidents, I was smothered to death, devoured by wolves, ingested poisoned toothpicks, drank mercury, swallowed burning coal, fell to the pit of snakes, swallowed knives, even laughed to death,... and did many, many more. Yet, to my anguish, nothing in this world can kill me. I carry with me 8 centuries of memory, loss, torment, an everlasting and unchanging point in every changing reality. At the edge of sanity and madness, an immortal finds refuge. That's who... and what I am. And I found interest in Kamijou Touma, so I am not leaving his side, certainly not because of you"

She sat down with a smile and flexed her fingers.

"I would rather avoid any unnecessary unpleasantness, but know that when someone dies so many times, that someone certainly knows what can bring most pain. With that in mind... let's talk"

(SEVERAL HOURS LATER)

Mugino Shizuri was sitting in the convent's chapel.

She did not know what she was doing there during the hours of the night.

In this time, many people did not like silence. But to Mugino, silence and darkness weren't always bad things.

Silence made her mind focus. And quite often, darkness allowed her to cover things she did not want to see, both in reality and in her mind.

She tensed up when she heard footsteps. It was an instinctive reaction, honed through her years on the Dark Side. She only partially relaxed when Orsola appeared in the portal heading to the chapel, with candle at hand.

"Ah? Mugino-san. What a surprise."

She took a sit next to Mugino, even though all the rows were empty. A candle flickered but illuminated everything around in the yellowish-white halo of light.

"I sometimes come here to pray before sun rises" Orsola spoke, smiling to Mugino" Are you here for that reason too?"

"Do I look like someone like that to you? Really?"

"You look troubled. Your eyes are much older than they seem"

"Yeah, no shit. I did things that your God would send me down to boiling pit for"

"Yet you contemplate. And cry?"

Mugino quickly wiped her face.

"Don't fucking stare..."

"Isn't that a sign that a path of grace did not close for you?"

"Stop with your preachy talk, it won't work!"

Mugino half-shouted last part, turning away from Orsola.

"It's not my intention to preach to you. However, it saddens me to see your suffering"

"What suffering? This is not suffering! Why would I suffer?"

"Can I try to guess something?"

Mugino glared at the nun.

Orsola was still looking at her with unyielding, gentle look. It almost made Mugino sick. This woman could not be more different from her.

"Fine, stop with the damn puppy eye look. Humour me, what keeps me awake?"

"I do not have talents of strength or fighting prowess, but I humbly assume God granted me some insight in human hearts. I think that you became attached to Kamijou Touma..."

"Another girl got attached to that guy? Well, stop the fucking presses!"

"... and because you did, you became scared. You look and act like someone who experienced a lot of cruelty in life. And because of that, you are closing your heart now and you are hurting because it is not what you are really desiring"

"Why the hell would I close my heart because who I was in the past? What does it have to do with what happens now?"

"Because of what happened in your past, you are scared and guilty to experience goodness given to you. Today's been a good day. Watching that made you feel anxious. That anxiety stems from the innermost of human fears, the most primal solitude of man. Because in truth, reality is lonely in itself, miss Mugino"

"What?"

"At the most basic of levels, all humans are alone because they are themselves, and not anyone else. They try to overcome this feeling through many means. You know that feeling, don't you? And you think Kamijou Touma could be..."

"No! That's not true!" Mugino snapped, standing up" I am Mugino Shizuri. I command death to come to people on a whim, I am not dependent on anybody"

"You are not, or you don't want to be?"

"I... there is no reason for me to be scared. I can't destroy anything-"

"Even if it means destroying yourself?"

"Khh..."

"You close your heart to protect Kamijou Touma from seeing yourself. You may indulge in physical intimacy, but you are scared to actually go on with it. And most importantly, you fear being hurt yourself. And that fear is based on the dread and despair of rejection you expect from others and from your own self as well, because of what you did"

"Are you a god damn soothsayer or shaman?! What the hell-"

"In other words, you don't think that you can be truly forgiven. And even if you can, you cannot allow yourself to be forgiven. You still think you will hurt, yourself and others. But Kamijou Touma is not the type of people to condemn."

"He didn't see me back then. He doesn't know what things plague me at night"

"Yet he would still extend salvation to you"

Mugino was silent for a moment, before speaking silently

"You know why I can't believe in your god? He is supposed to be omnipotent, omniscient and omnibenevolent, right? Then where was he when I had to go through pile after pile of shit that was my life. I had everything, but also... before my group, I never had anyone but myself. So I tried so hard to make it so I didn't need anyone. I wanted to be the one who others would fear... the one who could never be hurt... so why did it all went so wrong? In my pursuit to never get hurt, to gather ultimate strength to fortify my heart, I crushed and vanquished everything and everyone who could stand in my way. And I was left with pools of blood, corpses, and ash. What kind of god would allow one to suffer so much? What kind of world do we live in if one has to kill in order to love? What kind of loving god would let one do such atrocities? Are monsters part of his great plan too? If he knew what I can or might do, why did it happen? And if I was free to decide, why the fuck would I be created like this? Why did I have to be so screwed up to choose like this? What kind of being would allow a monster who murdered her own friend to be ever born?!"

Mugino's bitter lament echoed through the chapel. Orsola listened in silence, before walking in front of Mugino.

"I told you what I felt and saw within you. There is a limit of what I can do, without your belief. But I can tell you this..."

She looked at the sky, which was becoming grey in the promise of daybreak.

"Murder is a sin, yes, but not beyond redemption. However, it's you who must take steps towards it. And I am sure Kamijou Touma will be there to support you"

"Yes..." Mugino whispered, her voice slightly hoarse" He said that. But how can I even... achieve that? I am evil, simple as that."

"What you were upset about earlier... is called theodicy. The question about why God allows evil's existence if he is all-good. Quite frankly, no one knows for certain. But Augustine of Hippo, as well as Thomas Aquinas, the Doctor of Church from whom I take my name, said that evil may not exist on its own. It may simply be the absence of good."

Orsola took the candle and gently blew on it, extinguishing the flame.

"Just like shadow may be seen as the absence of light, depending on the perspective."

"Meaning?..."

"Meaning that you have all the good you need within you, miss Mugino. Because of your environment and actions shaped by interactions of yourself with the world, you never had the chance to develop virtue needed for walking in the light. But it's not too late. Not with him by your side. But you can't do it without allowing yourself the forgiveness. The only way to peace is for someone to be able to forgive oneself"

She smiled at Mugino, just as the rays of the sun flooded the chapel, reflecting cascades of rainbow colours.

"Even the most beautiful of stained glasses mean nothing without the chance for light to pour through them"

Mugino did not even remember leaving the chapel.

But as she walked through the stone corridor, a voice spoke from the shadow.

"Mugino Shizuri, isn't it? We need to talk..."

(SOME TIME LATER)

Kamijou Touma awoke.

He was laying on something soft, looking at the sky. By the looks of it, it was 6 or 7 in the morning. And even though he woke up, he felt really tired.

"Crap, did he got out again in my sleep?" he muttered, trying to get up.

But a female hand stopped him and placed him back on the...

Lap? Yes, no mistaking it, he was laying on thighs covered in nun habit.

Over two rather big masses obscuring his view he saw a face with blue eyes and gentle smile.

"O-O-Orsola? Why am I here?"

"I found you here. Please, don't be alarmed. I was the one who offered my lap to you"

"I feel like I can die happy now"

"This was a compliment, wasn't it? Don't die though."

"Okay, I will try not to. But Orsola, did I... is anyone..."

"Everyone is fine, I checked with sister Lucia. Now, you must rest. I bet you still need some sleep. But before you do so... do you remember that I said to you that I wanted to talk to you, back on the beach?"

"Yes, of course I remember"

"Would you mind if I took a moment and said a few things. It's rather important"

"Like I said before, Orsola-san, you never bother me"

The nun closed her eyes and sighed.

"There a couple things that I tried to think through since the time in which we last saw each other. Firstly, I want to thank you. Not only with the matter regarding Isis-Demeter, but also your earlier rescue. In both cases, you substantially risked your own safety and life for me. I feel like just saying it is not enough, yet..."

"Orsola... there was never any alternative to the actions I took when it came to you" Touma said, both boy and a girl looking at the sky" So there is no reason for you to thank me"

"No, there is much more to it than you might think. Your actions... they made me feel that the path I follow is right. You may not think of that much, but what you did to me helped me believe in myself and reignite the passion I have for this world, the very passion I felt upon first missionary efforts. Through you, I feel the same kind of happiness that comes from encountering Lord's miracles."

"Miracles?"

"Although I believe in the words of the Bible, I also see the divine in many things. I see God in beauty of nature, I see Him in our desperation to make sense of life, in our imagination. I see Him in mending wounds, in caring for ... and I see Him in the light of your soul"

"Light of my soul? What do you mean?"

"I don't know if it's fully proper to my faith... but you inspire me and your kindness brings me light and salvation. Whenever I was in doubt or starting to stray from the path of my own heart, you bring me back with only your words and presence. Whenever I see my reflection in your eyes, I just feel... like things are within the hands of providence. And that everything will work out in the end. What I think I mean to say... and... oh my, it may sound a little strange... but if I could be forgiven my arrogance in assuming the will of the divine, and pick one person he put on my path... I don't doubt it would be you. Thanks to you, I have faith for goodness of the world not being lost. I have hope that whatever shadow or tragedy may befall on us, we can conquer without hate, violence and bloodshed. And thanks to you, I also feel newly seen love"

"You feel love?" Touma would not be able to hide the blush on his face even if he wanted to.

"Towards God and world he created. And towards every gift put on my path..."

She was smiling at him in a very enigmatic way. It was similar to her smile whenever she made a mistake or let her airheadedness get the better of her. But there was also something else within her eyes. Touma never saw anything like it from those eye. It was more than her usual care, but there was not a trace of any lust or perversion. Just eyes of filled with care, admiration, and quiet joy.

"Thank you. It was thanks to your action that I could feel that love"

And honestly, in that moment, Touma did not care if he was included in Orsola's affection or not, nor if he had a special place in said affection. Whatever Orsola felt, and whether or not it included him, it clearly made her happy and fulfilled. And if she was happy, that was more than enough for him.

But the nun probably saw something change on his face because she ran her hand through his hair.

"I wish... I could see that light, that kindness, and feel those feelings... that I felt because and thanks to you... as much as I can. So I want to be able to share this kindness and charity with you, if you ever feel chained down by your sorrow or plagued by your ill fortune..."

"Orsola... whatever makes you happy, makes me happy. Don't change what you have for someone like me"

"I will not change anything. You taught me that I am worth all that I need as myself, isn't that right? So I will stay as I am. But if you ever need me, and anything I may offer as me, if you ever want to share your light with me... I will come and aid you. Now, sleep. I will wake you up later"

"Won't others be worried?"

"Don't worry, they know you are resting. One more hour or so won't make so much of a difference. Please, steady your breathing. You are safe with me, I will watch over you when you sleep... oh, are you crying? Why? Did I do something wrong?"

Touma smirked at her.

"No, I just... feel like even if that used all of my yearly good luck for this, it's so totally worth it!"

His 'pillow' shook slightly as Orsola let out a chuckle.

"Aren't saying things like that considered to bring bad luck? What was it called? Jinxing something?"

"Oh, screw jinxing, nothing can beat this moment!"

"I may not fully understand the vivacity of your enthusiasm, but can only congratulate and be happy with your happiness. Now, close your eyes"

"With all that is happening, I have certain doubts about my capacity for sleep right now"

"Oh, is that so? But you must be tired... oh, I know. My mother had a charm for good sleep. Would you like to receive it?"

"Charm? Sure, although Imagine Breaker will probably get in the-"

Orsola leaned over and softly kissed him on the cheek. The kiss lasted 3 or maybe 4 seconds, before she straightened herself.

Touma would never expect it. And probably never would anyone who knew his inner thoughts regarding the nun.

But instead of getting him aroused or excited, that one, completely innocent kiss on the cheek blew away the storm in his mind into complete clarity, allowing his muscles to relax.

And he didn't want to question it, as slowly, but steadily, with Orsola singing something quietly in language he recognized as italian, he drifted back into blissful, restorative sleep.

(TO BE CONTINUED)

And with that nostalgic/romantic accent between the two, we pause.

It seems too good to be true, Touma says. Well, yes and no, he never stays too lucky for long. But I feel that he earned Orsola's attention and I was feeling so happy writing ending scene for this chapter (as well as Orsola's conversations with both Rin and Mugino, but about them in a moment).

When it comes to Orsola, I wanted to introduce her to action (and to harem) for quite some time now. But I had to approach this topic carefully and examine in my head how I actually viewed Orsola. I always saw her as the most model nun in the anime in the traditional sense, compared to Index for example. But over time, I decided that if Orsola were to ever fall in love, it would be through her love of the divine and through Touma's actions embodying some the virtues she keeps close to her heart, like helping others in need, without discrimination or prejudice. I also decided to write Orsola with similar focus to my rendition of Touma. Namely, I put focus on how therapeutic Orsola's insight and kindness can be. Her airhead nature becomes more of an addition to it.

All triad of her dialogues in this chapter are incredibly important not only for the characters Orsola engages with (Rin, Mugino, and Touma) but also for Orsola herself. Those dialogues each concern different psychological and theological dilemmas: Individual self-worth, Theodicy and problem of evil, as well as relation of divine and earthly love. Even though Orsola is the one helping others through her messages, her speeches also allow us to have better view into Orsola's own mind.

I think Mugino has a lot on her heart and if she ever got in an actual, serious relationship, she would have to face fears similar to ones Orsola confronted her with. It just shows how thorny and hard path of redemption is and it was actually heartwrenching to imagine Mugino, despite all she did, going through such breakdown. Orsola and Mugino are such opposite characters, that I yearned to write conversation between them for some time now and I think I am pleased with the way and emotionality that we harnessed in the dialogue in the chapel between the sunrise.

Lucia and Touma were also a hypothetical relationship I stumbled surprisingly often. And I thought that it had a great comedic and 'enemies-turned-friends' potential. And when it comes to Lucia and Lidvia... come on, please tell me that I am not the only one who sees this incredible similarity. I once collaborated in a theory that made Lucia Lidvia's accidental daughter and which would make a great story for within catholic church intrigue. When it comes to theories like this, I always think 'hey, even if it's not very probable, if someone is imagining it, I will expand upon it and give something wild to his imagination'.

People pointed out the innovative nature of Touma's involement with Rimea and I certainly agree with them. I think that this duo has tremendous potential. Just like it was said this chapter, Touma needs a mature woman who can hold intelligent conversation and not lash out on him every moment. So I am really looking forward to sprinkling some TouMea goodness in this project or the others. I could give many reasons why it should be done, but to quote one of the people I discussed it with, it may appear that as an onee-san lover, Touma needs 'royal mommy'. Granted, it's one of the most superficial arguments, but with great validity instead.

Mitsumi. A simple, but meaningful name. There is so much fun and potential with her thanks to the fact that she combines the traits of two opposite young women, thanks to which she is fresh, unpredictable, and full of surprises. Also, Touma gets a lot of kisses. And that's fine! He will suffer anyway (we know misfortune won't leave him alone) so let him have what fraction of pleasure he can get. He earned it by now.

I know some may think that I am making Maidono extremely powerful, but I think she would be one of the most devastating level 5s and espers in general history. I mean, I just love her ability, how it's elevated to absolute peak by maxing such a simple concept. There are so many things you can do with telekinesis of that level. It stimulates imagination nearly as well as whatever gutsy things Gunha does with his ability. I thought that if anyone can be earthquaking esper, it's her. In this story, Hasako also has the ability to do so, but if Maidono ever wanted to shift and quake the earth, she would be superior in that particular aspect of vibration manipulation.

Also... what happened with Mugino after she left the chapel? Oh, it shall be seen... next time...

I think that's it for now. See you in the next chapter, and please leave a review, I will read all of it with interest.