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!

38. Chapter 38

PAINTED PRISON CHRONICLES

CHAPTER 38

REQUIEM OF FATE

SHADOW OF HIS LIGHT

Hello everyone! I am once again returning with brand new chapter of this story. I expected it to come out a little sooner, but those past weeks were very busy and required my attention elsewhere. Nevertheless, bit by bit, it is done. One more step on this journey is presented to you.

Since the last time, I tested and reconsidered various things that were said and written and I think it's safe to assume that I will be taking measures to bring back some of the story's early atmosphere. Well, not counting Kamijou No Touma breathing on everyone's necks or such things. But besides that, what I mean is that by this point, what was to be proven and set via Future Phase is proven and set for now. With Kamijou Hyouka revealed, we will stay in the present for much longer time, without jumping back and forth. Like I said before, the new character addition will be toned down a little, possibly not forever, but for now, it is important to give meaningful development and/or conclusion to arcs that were already started beforehand. This also quite possibly means Gokusai sisters receive more time in the spotlight in future chapters.

This chapter may not be the longest (it's medium-length in terms of this story) but it is filled with turning points and has traces of some things that influenced all of that set up that is building up before our eyes. But, as always, discussion of those things will be in the afterword.

What else... I may also share my reflection of the scope of this fanfic. It's honestly surprising and so much fun to consider that there is already 800K+ words to it. It would be nice to breach 10000 K+ and with how much more story I have planned, it will certainly happen. Because even if it will take slightly more time, this story is not going anywhere for now (if there even will be a need to take a small break, I will be sure to inform you too). In less than one month's time, this story will be 1,5 year old and will be with me for almost 2 years (as I began the preparation, drafting, and writing of the first five chapters 4 months before I published it for you). Some chapters were written during very good times, some during stressful times, some during times of relaxation, and some during times of bitter work. But I loved and still love working on each of them and sharing them with you.

For now, that should be all. Let's get to the Q&A part:

Average Stuffy: Well, you asked for it. I was planned to confirm it anyway, but you got me the motivation I needed, so it's truly something to be proud of. Thank you.

Fullbreaker: Thank you so much for appreciating the Future Phase. It is not perfect, but it is one of the things that warm my heart the most, and I have a soft spot for it. As for Anna Shrimps, I couldn't miss this opportunity, given how often Kamachi links the description of her hair with shrimp. And I was just giggling all the time when I wrote the dream sequence. Sometimes, moments like that are just the best, when you can let go of logic and say 'let's go with anything that comes to mind'. When it comes to Othinus, I didn't want to write a forced size changed, I didn't find a reason to do it earlier, but I might just reconsider it. There are quite few ways it can be done, with Magic Gods hanging around Touma casually in the future.

TheDarkPublisher: I can speak from experience here, since I am an aspiring philosopher and psychologist. Majority of people have to go through her own therapy, which is a reference to what Kaibi's saying. I am touched you remembered about my career choice for her. Our Three Heroes really do need to get out and hang out like normal friends. There is something very nice and precious about it. And Hyouka plotline is one my favourite in the story. It crosses over one more important plotline, connected with a certain character, I can't reveal who at the moment. AND YES, they are protective of him XD

BlueJack22: Well, Future Phase stays, but in acknowledgement, I will tone it down until time nearer the stories end. Or at least won't make it that big. Like you said, bits and glances are good to go, I agree with that.

Muramasa: Hmm, interesting. Maybe this was a misunderstanding of her telekinetic control of my part. Well, there is never enough refining your ability though. As for Index, I didn't realize that the problem lied there. I thought that there may be some additional blockade, since we never seen her use magic actively aside from John Pen. As for adoption, I don't think it was totally pointless, since I think it's nice to have Othinus accepting someone from outside of the family (I think she is actually suited for this kind of situation). But I am considering giving her a biological child too on some occasion. So it seems I overcomplicated a few things. Well, it happens, thank you for pointing that out.

FingFangFoom100: It will certainly add a bit of mystery to the future part of the story. I love Hyouka's story potential, not gonna lie here.

Uzuhyu sena: Thank you for enthusiastic praise!

Without further delay, let's get into it! Have a good read!

Gokusai Kaibi woke up slowly, opening her pinkish-magenta eyes and noticing light flooding into the room through the train window. For a moment she forgot where she was.

"Ah... right. We went back to the city from the monastery, but it was so late that we decided to stay at the hotel"

She looked at the date on the electronic clock. She frowned. This day... she could have sworn that there was something important about it... what was it...

She yawned and got up. Her sisters were already up, which was rare for the usual schedule.

Well, Kaibi couldn't blame them. So much happened that it wasn't surprising that they couldn't sleep. Amazora was reading one of her favourite manga, but it was obvious that she was very distracted. Same could be said for Rikuri, who assembled and reassembled the room's AC remote. She always compulsively tinkered with machines when she was nervous.

The threat posed by one called God's Purifier, as on the nose as the name was, was not to be underestimated. Kaibi and her sisters seen their fair share of awfulness on the dark side, but she still couldn't forget the pure dread she experienced when speaking with Kamijou No Touma and witnessing just how chilling his presence was.

In their own, sister intuition, they knew that they were all thinking about the same thing.

Amazora crossed her arms, sulking.

"I can't believe onee-chans didn't wake me up to help. I could have..."

"Amazora... you wouldn't stand a chance against him as you are now. I am sorry sweetie, this is reality" Rikuri spoke firmly. She was rarely that serious when addressing the youngest sister. For Kaibi, it seemed really out of place. Usually, she had to be the reprimanding one, because Rikuri spoiled Amazora far too much.

"But..."

"Listen to her, Amazora. We don't doubt that you would fight tooth and nail for your brother. We know that being protective of him is how you show Touma your love. But this is not something you can just tackle with brute strength of your ammunition. Even I couldn't..."

Kaibi paused, letting out a frustrated sigh. Rikuri let go of the remote and walked to her, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"But that doesn't mean we will give up. We went through so much and gained so much too, thanks to him. We agreed that we all love him, so there is no way Gokusai family ever lets go of Kamijou Touma..."

"Yes, that's true. But... I still don't want to put you at risk..."

"Kaibi-san... I am scared too. But what I said about Amazora applies to each of us individually. I love him too much to let him go. And if we intend to stay and fight, we must do it together. It will not work otherwise. Amazora tends to rely on her strength too much, I can't engage in close combat, and you will burn out if you need to do too much on your own. We are a team. And I think this is especially true when it comes to him"

Kaibi was silent for a while, before sighing and relenting

"You are right, I know you are... we are indeed a team. I just wish... I could just resolve this without any issue"

"Look at it this way. At least we are together now. All we need to do is make sure that this will last. Today is quite a special day that makes me motivated to fight even more..."

"Really? I also thought that there is something..." Kaibi paused, before slapping hitting her open hand with a fist" Oh, of course!"

"It's yet another month with onii-chan!" Amazora boisterously shouted with pure glee" I remember about it. Do you know why?"

She narrowed her eyes with a toothy grin, puffing out her developing chest.

Kaibi and Rikuri sighed.

"Because it was through your mistake in the office that we got to live with him" they both responded in unison" We know. You only reminded and bragged about it a hundred times"

"Nyahahahah! Everything of our happiness is owned to Amazora the Great! People should bow to me in respect!"

"Amazora, you are gonna bow to me if you refuse to eat vegetables for third day in a row, so don't get ahead of yourself, miss the Great"

Rikuri got out her phone and lock screen opened, showcasing the photo identical to the one they had on display in their apartment's living room. On the photo, Rikuri had her arms over the other three, where Touma was blushing from contact with Kaibi, slightly squished from both sides, and with Amazora sitting in between their laps.

Now, all three sisters looked at the photo. In unspoken familiarity, all of their faces made the same expression.

"Hey..." Rikuri said, her quiet tone with almost melancholic tinge to it" A lot happened from the time we started to live together... crazy fights, delightful days, all four of us together... but I think none of us can deny... that this time is the best our lives so far..."

"The bestest!" Amazora nodded. "I love waking up and thinking what onii-chan will do with us in the new day. And it will go on and on... each day there will be something exciting to do"

"It's true... Maidono-san, Hasako-san, Mitsuari-san, Kumokawa-san, Kaai and Youen-san, those Scavenger girls and more... we gained friends and companions thanks to him. We should not delude ourselves, we are happy through and because of him... each of us loves him now. We all have different motivations, but what links us is that we want him to stay safe and happy..."

"We all need onii-chan we he responds to our feelings!"

"Exactly and... Kaibi-san, are you alright? Are you cry-"

Kaibi quickly wiped twin trails of tears from her cheeks.

"I-I am fine... something got to my eye"

"Of course it did..."

"I-I am not kidding, d-d-don't look at me like that... such dust!" Kaibi hit her bed in an exaggerated manner" What is this cleaning service doing? I think I might sneeze any moment, excuse me..."

She quickly turned around under the confabulated pretext.

Rikuri sighed and shook her head with a smile.

"Even after confessing and coming to terms with your feelings, you are so adorably insecure when it comes to letting them show, Kaibi-chan. Well, I suppose that's cute in its own right and I bet I am not the only one thinking that~"

Kaibi, turned with her back to her sisters, put her hand over her flushed cheeks.

What Kamijou Touma did to her over the course of their life together was unbelievable.

She still remembered how vehemently she disliked the idea of living with him and how apprehensive she was of him and his personality. But somewhere, in this small, unidentified moment, he managed to break through her shell, save her, made her feel safe and loved... until her heart was completely and utterly stolen, aching when he was in danger and secretly adoring every bit of affection she got. She didn't need to be an expert on heart distance regulation to see that.

"I-I suppose my reactions... a-are still work in progress... b-but I challenged myself, alright? I-I am trying..."

"I am sure Touma sees it, my adorable little sister"

"Hmm... I wonder if onii-chan is up already... maybe I can get him to get me pancake's with cream from the caffeteria..."

"I am more worried about his state, Amazora. I doubt he has time to think about such things now"

(MEANWHILE)

Kamijou Touma, on the borderline of maintaining his mental sanity, was indeed not in the mood for pancakes.

He didn't get much sleep and he snuck out of his room, with Othinus and Index still asleep.

After they returned to the City, he wouldn't mind going straight home, but Amazora and Arisa were dozing off so much that they had to made the necessary stop. Oriana and Mugino went their separate ways, promising to soon Well, the pros of living with wealthy roommates were once again apparent to him.

He was too agitated. He thought back to two conversations he recently had. One with his Magic God allies... and second with Shutaura.

Both parties, for their own reasons, considered actually separating Kamijou from his dark self was the best option. Because there would be no merit in all of it if he were to die due to strain this unusual situation placed on him.

When they spoke after the battle, Shutaura reassured him that she has his back, and as does Arisa, and their third joint personality, dubbed Mitsumi. And even though he had it harder, she could understand him. She got how it was to share a mind, and what incredible harm fighting within oneself would do.

But...

"I... just... I am not... I can't..."

The reflection that walked alongside him by the hotel's corridor looked at him with a sinister grin, even though his sweat-covered face was not turning in that direction.

'Soon... soon... soon... soon... soon...soon!...'

"Shut up..." he clenched his head, his heart pounding in his chest so loudly that he almost couldn't hear anything else...

"Oi, Kamijou. Are you alright?"

His eyes, which bore dark circles underneath, moved to notice Ladylee Tangleroad looking at him from above the book she read in hotel's lobby. He didn't even realize that he walked that far.

"L-Ladylee? Why are you up this early?"

"Well, you know... they say with age humans need less sleep... so at times, I just stay up and read. I read so many books in my lifetime... I absolutely love them. Back when Guttenberg invented modern typing blocks, I was a bit skeptical... but he was a fine guy with right head after all. Anyway, since you are here... let's go for our walk? Or are you not up to it?"

"W-Why wouldn't I? Going for a walk is fine, I am fine..."

They walked out and into the city. Those walks were slowly starting to becoming a routine whenever Ladylee was around. One hour of walking around while talking... and holding hands.

Yes. Touma knew why they had to do it. Holding Ladylee's hand with Imagine Breaker was minimally, but steadily, weakening her immortality. Or at least, this was Ladylee's theory on the matter. Touma really wanted to help her, but he couldn't helping being slightly embarrassed.

"Oi, pay attention. If you will look again to check if someone sees us, I will kick you hard"

"Ladylee-san, I can't help it. Last time, I could see visible disgust and someone was a step away for calling the law enforcers. It got me terrified."

"You get to walk hand-to-hand with such a cute maiden and this is the reaction I get? Hmph, ungrateful"

"I-It's not like that, really... but maybe we can go into more secluded place..."

"Now you are making it sound worse..."

"Are you teasing me here?!"

Ladylee chuckled before looking at him seriously.

"In all honesty... I can empathize with him too an extent. Your other side, I mean"

Touma came to a halt.

"What?! How can you say that?!"

Ladylee sighed.

"He has determination to stay alive. This is something that should not be taken lightly... nor denied. Regardless of how vile and cruel he might be"

"But he should not be allowed to have his way-"

"I didn't say that he doesn't need to be stopped. It's just... you don't know how much people take willingness to live for granted. You both have your own determination to go forth in living... and this is why you can't stop him by containing him now. This will destroy you"

She was silent for a way, wind lifting her blond hair as she sighed.

"I... lost my will to stay alive long time ago. Yeah... I don't... I don't really remember what it feels like to want to see another day... All I remember is being tired... and finally finding rest. That's why I am saying you should not take it for granted..."

"Ladylee..." Touma unconsciously squeezed her hand harder" I... am so..."

"Don't be sorry. This is the life I chose when I ate ambrosia. So it is my mistake and I am responsible when it comes to fixing it" The immortal girl closed her eyes, deep in thought, before smiling after a while" It's quite endearing that your first instinct is to comfort me though"

"I've been meaning to ask you for a while now... Ever since you learned of Kamijou No Touma, you've been supporting me. But why? Why me out of two of us? I am sure that this twisted sociopath would find away to somehow dispose of you quicker than I would. After all, the thought of actually causing you to die is hard for me..."

Ladylee glanced at him. Something different, akin to a spark of lonely longing, entered her eyes.

"Why you, you ask? Well, ever since I heard of you, and ever since I encountered you... I was wondering if maybe... with you I could find... one last time..."

"Ladylee-san?"

"I-It's nothing. Don't worry about it, it's just a nonsense of an old woman" she laughed, somewhat awkwardly. She let go of his hand, running in front of him.

"That's that. I get us something good to eat"

"I can go with-"

"Thank you, but no. This will be a surprise. Although... can you wait alone?"

Touma hesitated. But only for one second.

"Yes. Go on, I will see you later."

"Well... if you say so... but just so you know..."

Ladylee gave him a stern look before marching away.

"You are important... for my plan regarding the future. Don't die on me..."

The 'like everyone else' was left unsaid.

Kamijou Touma found Ladylee Tangleroad more complex and moving of a person than he expected. He suspected that he barely had any idea how hurt and broken her old soul could be under that sassy, smug facade. He needed to get a better idea if he wanted to help her.

In that moment, his body spasmed.

He was standing on the street corner. The morning sun was hitting the street, and the building was casting the shadow on the park of the pavement near the corner. As his body jerked to one side, its facial expression changed as his body entered the shadow, bending a little.

"Do you really think you have time to worry about anyone else?" Kamijou No Touma flashed his eyes maliciously." I warned you that I will not leave you alone. You will fall to my will!"

The body jerked backed into the fragment illuminated by sunlight.

"Never!"Touma shouted, struggling as his body switched back and forth."I beat you last time and I will make you return to me once again. You won't trick anyone again"

SWISH! He turned back, face falling into the shadow once again.

"Do you really think that I will give up when I am so close?" his face twisted in the expression of ecstatic glee." And what is this about not tricking others? I will have you know that this my way of showing mercy."

SWISH! The body of spiky haired boy rotated into the direction of the sunlight as if after sudden whiplash.

"You cannot call anything about it merciful" Touma grit his teeth, as he slowly seethed out of words." This body is mine. You were something that I created in the moment of weakness. Weakness I already overcame. I understand now. You aaaaaargh..."

Once again switching in control as his body turned around, the very same lips fell into dark scowl and Kamijou No Touma spoke:

"As always, you understand very little. Oh, how very little. You are yet to actually grasp the full nature of reality and what Imagine Breaker actually means for its host"

"What are you talking about?..."

"... See, what I told you. You are good for nothing. Doing things your way will only bring you and others around you suffering..."

"... don't act as if you are a big philantrope right now. All you can do is lie..."

"... you really think that? Well, when I free myself, you will see if your vision of justice upholds..."

"... I would rather die than let you have your way..."

"...why is that I wonder? It's because I am so unlike you? Or the...opposite..."

"... shut up! You need me to be alive. You are part of me..."

"... I will devour your soul and we will see how much of you remains then..."

If someone were to pass by, they would probably be seriously terrified, as two strings of independent conversations followed one after the other, using the same lips yet making completely different expression.

"... This is my body! I will make you lose control and be gone for good..."

"... you can't control me, you know I am stronger than you... I'll live forever!"

"...no..."

"...and if you won't listen... I will leave you conscious as I kill everything dear to you... with your own hands..."

"SHUT UP!"

Touma punched the nearby street sign to the point blood dripped from his knuckles. He backed away, closing his eyes.

"I will not give up!"

"Hey... are you alright?... Kamijou..."

The soft and quiet voice made his eyes snap open. He looked back to notice a girl with long dress and . Even without her miko clothes, she was unmistakable.

"Himegami..."

His friend and classmate was staring at him with gentle worry in her eyes/

"You look a bit pale. And... you are bleeding!"

"What are you doing here, Hime... gami..."

In the next moment, the world swirled around him and everything fell into blackness.

(LATER)

He woke up on the bench... or more precisely, on Himegami's Aisa's lap, who was herself sitting on the bench.

Touma was so stunned that for a moment, he could not move or speak, as Himegami gently patted his head and hummed some gentle tune.

He did not know how long was he mesmerized like this. For a moment, he forgot the horrible situation his mind was in.

"You are awake"

The girl's face looking at him from above, was like a bucket of cold water. He tried to quickly get up, but Himegami was equally fast to put his head back on her lap.

"Lay still. Rest. In the meantime, I have something for you"

"Himegami... it's really nice to see you, but... what are you doing here?"

"I am here to...check on you... Seiri was worried, and she might even try to speak with you on her own..."

"Fukiyose was?"

That was a bit unexpected and sweet. Sure, he noticed the change that occurred after Fukiyose poured her heart out during their dinner together, but the extent of that change still seemed rather amazing to him.

"Yes, she is concerned about you... but..." Himegami's voice got even softer" She is not the only one..."

She looked at him with a kind yet also somewhat nostalgic look.

"She glows so much brighter than me. She is so vibrant and strong. I care for her so much, she is my best friend, and I even wish her luck in love... but I can't stand being left behind. And that's why... I have to say this"

"Hey, what-"

Touma began to speak, but she put a finger on his lips. Only now he noticed that she was actually blushing quite visibly.

"Please, my emotions drove me to do this, and I don't want to lose my courage. There is something I must tell you."

She took a deep breath and resumed.

"I... know that I pass as unnoticed. For the longest time, I've been saddened about it. I felt I could do much more, that there was more to me and what I could achieve. I was about to drop into that sadness and just disappear altogether. But I couldn't do it. Because... you saved me back then. Not just from any danger... you brought my life back. So even if no one saw my feelings... or remember me for long enough to care... I didn't want to give up because this would mean leaving you behind."

She clasped her hands together and sighed.

"I was worried about you. I saw that you disappeared. I know that you are dealing with even more dangerous people than Izzard. But I thought with the way I am, with so little presence and ability that is only effective against vampires... that I will be more of a boring bother than anything. This is why... I thought helping Seiri out with her feelings was the best course of action. I still believe she deserves that happiness. She is my best friend, and I want her to be happy... but... but..."

"H-Himegami..."

She rubbed her eyes, whispering

"My heart was hurting too much when I did nothing at all. I tried to convince myself that I can't do anything, but I was only excusing myself. You don't look like yourself recently. I started to realize that I cannot sit idly by. I didn't want Seiri to be the only one to care... and even if in the end there will be no witness and no reward for my actions... if I can easy your life even a little bit, that should be enough. That's the least there could be done, considering all you've done..."

Her blush got warmer and she looked to the side, only glancing at him from time to time.

"I-I just wanted to say... wanted you to know... that even if people would loathe you or abandon you, you can always count on me... e-e-even if you don't see me or know I am there, I am always cari... oh no, t-t-that sound stalker-ish. I-I meant... you know... I... Icareaboutyoualotsopleasetakecaretoo!"

She abruptly stood up and dashed away, her embarrassment getting the better of her. Touma lost his balance and abruptly fell to the ground.

"Ow... w-wait a second... did Himegami just... gave me a lap pillow, confessed her desire to support me, and then ran off? This day surely is getting strange... but at least that was strange in a good way. And... very nice."

Was Himegami always this charming? He only didn't notice until now?

That bit about sticking with me regardless of the hate... when did I hear that before? Ah, right, Will-chan. I wonder how is she doing... maybe I asked the next Sister I meet..."

His feelings were spiraling all over his heart.

"Well... anyways, I am here now... with that sudden twist of events, I feel like I forgot something... oh well..."

(ELSEWHERE)

"Achoo!"

Ladylee sneezed into handkerchief, standing in front of crepe stand.

"Bless you, young miss" the vendor said friendly" Don't catch the cold out in the open"

"Thanks for the sentiment, but I don't get sick. Just something in my nose..."

After paying, she took two crepes and went to walk back to where she came from.

"...or rather, I have a feeling that idiot is ignoring me in some way..."she 'hmped' haughtily, tossing her hair aside" he better be grateful for my generosity. I know crepes since its invention. I know how to get the good ones that will not break in your hand. Those can be eaten while holding them in one hand, so the other can..."

She paused, her eyes widening slightly.

"Why is it important to me that this is a perfect comfort food for handholding? I-It's not like I want to hold hands with him that desperately... that's right! He is solely my tool of death!"

She was so preoccupied that at first she didn't hear someone calling out behind her until it got loud enough for him to hear.

"Oi, you there! Wait up!"

Suddenly, pair of Anti-Skill officers appeared in front of her.

"What are you doing, wandering all on your own?" the female officer smiled friendly" Are you lost? Where is your elementary school dorm?"

"What the-"

Veins popped up on Ladylee's temples.

'Oh, you are have to be kidding me!'

(SOME TIME LATER, WITH TOUMA)

"I said I was sorry!"

"Mmmm... put more heart into it..."

"Maidono-san, I am losing feeling in my arms..."

Because of the proximity, Touma went back to the apartment. A number of surprises awaited him inside. To his defense, there was no way he could accurately predict all of them.

He was accustomed to being subjected to seeing girls in compromising situations when entering the bathroom. But here he wasn't ready to see half-naked Maidono, wearing only panties and bra, wiping her sweat while doing squats and push-ups on the matt in the living room.

And...

'D-Dear gods, she has abbs. Not overly so, but she really does. How did I miss that?'

Kamijou Touma was a man with relatively good moral control. But the image of glistening belly started to live rent free in his head, on loop.

'No, more importantly...'

"M-Maidono..."

They looked at each other. Maidono's lips parted and slowly, red blush spread on her face.

"AAAAH!"

Before Touma could react, a stretching rubber flew like a lightning fast snake, binding his arms and pulling him upwards, like a packed present held high by the excited child. And now he was trying to placate pouting Maidono.

"I-I didn't think you would be the type to be shy... you show your skin all the time and are super confident"

"This is different" Maidono muttered, dropping him to the floor" T-The context matters. I am taking care of myself to look good and maintain my health. B-But I never expected to see me during it... i-it just came out of the blue, we were expecting you later..."

"Yeah, things happened and I got here quicker"

"You could at least text us..."

"Now now Hoshimi, this is his home, he only left us to care of it and because of your recovery"

When both Maidono and Touma turned around, they were met with...

Hasako... who was also naked. Only in her case, her long hair, which was straightened and loosened like a veil, prevented any privacy to be threatened. Or... almost any, with parts of arms, legs, and chest sticking out.

Touma quickly spun around.

"H-Hasako-san?! Why are you tempting this poor Kamijou by walking around naked?!"

"Oh my, I just happened to get out of the relaxing bath. Tempting? Are you saying this body of mine got a positive reaction out of you? How embarrassing... yet flattering"

"H-Hasacchi, why are you so calm about this?"

"I-I would probably be very more embarrassed, but since it's Touma-san... I feel like it's a good thing"

"Are you secretly trying to establish something here?!"

Was Kankyougami Hasako evolving mentally to reach the status of a wife before even becoming a proper girlfriend?

And then, final blow came when Kihara Enshuu marched inside with the floaties and rubber duck in hand.

"Bath, bath, ba... oh, Touma onii-chan? I was expecting you!"

"Kihara Enshuu?! What the hell?! Why are you here?!"

"I-I think it's best if we explain everything from the top..."

(AFTER A MOMENT OF EXPLANATION)

"May I see this other side of you?"

"No, this is not a good idea. Don't frown on me, it really isn't"

"Enshuu-chan was really insistent on staying here. She is undecided with whom she should side with"

Touma sighed and crouched down to the girl's eye level.

"Enshuu-chan, you barely know me. Why is this important to you?"

"Your thought patterns were a source of innovation in my life" the small girl replied" Thus, when I heard rumors about your situation, I wanted to clarify which version of you is more accurate for the nurturing of my Kihara-ness"

"I am flattered that you see me as someone to look up to... even if what you are searching for is just a tiny bit concerning..."

"Maybe I can open your brain and bring him out, pretty please?!"

"That's definitely in line with Kihara family, but please don't."

Maidono summoned a comb into her hand and started to brush Hasako's hair. The first esper liked it long and while marvelous to look at, it required dedicated maintenance.

"So... what you will do now?"

"I observe and evaluate. This is the purpose of me being here. It would be more efficient if it happened sooner rather than later, but just being here is alright for now..."

Enshuu frowned and jumped into Touma's arms, sticking her face into her neck.

"E-Enshuu-chan... w-why are you sniffing me?!"

"Your hormones are imbalanced... do you feel alright?"

Hasako looked at Touma worryingly.

"Is something the matter with you?"

"Well, I..."

The door of the apartment opened and Gokusai sisters came inside.

"Oh, it was a good call to come here!" Kaibi shouted" Where have you been? Don't sneak out without us, we have been looking for you"

"Hmm? Who is this girl?" Rikuri smiled, pointing at Enshuu" She looks like a cutie"

Amazora, trembling silently by her side and looking at Enshuu, who was wrapped in the towel, with legs around Touma's torso and face burried in his head, definitely did not share the sentiment.

"Who is this? Birdie-san wasn't enough?!"

Enshuu looked in Amazora's direction.

"You annoy me. Stay quiet"

"HUH?!"

Enshuu jumped down and put a finger on her chin

"As for my relationship with Kamijou Touma... he is inspiring source of my thoughts and their patterns...and can be considered a part of my extended familial environment... so it makes him... my onii-chan"

Amazora smiled thinly.

"What the hell, onii-chan? Care to explain before I make her into swiss chesse? Which I am honestly wanting to do anyway..."

"Well... the thing is..."

"Touma onii-chan, there is no need to deliberate about this. It's obvious that this loud brat has a pea sized brain"

"I am THE little sister here. Onii-chan, tell her!"

Touma was about to bash his head against the wall. The only thing lacking was Birdway suddenly appearing out of the blue and having attack of apoplexy that would blow the apartment.

"Enshuu-chan, Amazora did live with me for a bit now and we formed a bond through this time. I am flattered about your feelings, but-"

"Oh? That is of little concern" Enshuu shrugged it off" In that case, I just have to live with him too and adjust my bonding with him to account for that."

"E-Enshuu-chan... this is not..."

"Touma onii-chan is my test subject" Enshuu allowed herself a small smirk" He introduces unpredictability and unorthodox approach that, if guided in right direction, can help me foster my Kihara-ness and be truly accepted by my family. It's not really in Kihara-style per se, but I can also make an exception and reward him in some way. According to what I read in various sources, intimacy is pleasing for males your age. My body is not on the level of Yuiitsu onee-chan and Therestina obaa-chan yet, but I am sure with mhmmmhmm hmmmm-"

Touma quickly covered her lips, chuckling nervously.

"Enshuu-chan, I know Kiharas don't really care about social convenience, but I am stared at like a piece of trash, so please stop. I-I know, you can help me prepare for exams if you really want to help me in something..."

Amazora looked like she was about to explode at any moment.

"Onii-chan..." she seethed out" Because I care about what you taught me, I will not torture her. I am gonna slaughter this thief in one quick shot"

"O-Okay" Touma quickly positioned himself between two youngest girls, which crossed gazes were almost tangibly sparking" H-How about we share what happened when we were gone to the girls? And maybe I can make something to eat for you?"

"That is my line!" came a new voice from the door. A girl with a black, drilled hair beamed at the group from the door.

"Maria-san?! Now that's a surprise!"

"I stayed the night" she explained" And I just got back from shopping, to find everyone here. Since we both are here, we must cook together!"

"Absolutely! Let's see... what the hell? Those are amazing ingredients. Even with great experience in this city you wouldn't be able to find them easily and so cheap! Maria-san, this is amazing"

"Hmm hmm, Ryouran expects the best skill from us!" she said proudly, looking at the ingredients with twinkles in her eyes." Now, let's cook together!"

"Yeah!"

Kaibi sighed upon seeing Maria and Touma jumping in excitement with sparkling gazes, with hands intertwined in front of themselves, as they celebrated the ingredients they were about to turn into delicious dishes.

"I swear, this guy has so much going behind the scenes..."

"Now, now, Kaibi-chan, we must set a good example for Amazora..."

In his excitement, Touma hugged and swirled around with Maria's feet leaving the ground, as the pair laughed.

"... n-no matter... how hard it may in truth be..."

(LATER...)

Index and Othinus arrived when they finally sit down to eat. It was a rare lucky coincidence, because Touma could only imagine the hell Index would put him through if she missed on such an exquisite meal. Tasty noodles, seasoned and spiced meat and vegetables, salads, drinks, and desserts

Index was too busy devouring her portion to truly say anything about it, but others

"Mmmm! This is so delicious! I could die!" Kaibi panted with a happy expression on her face.

"It's so amazing. So tasty and full of flavour!" Rikuri was not far behind.

Maidono levitated part of her food with motion of her hand and examined it.

"Is the sauce that is the secret here?"

"The spices that Maria-san got are great for this duck. I wouldn't be able to do it without them" Touma said

"But only because of you they taste so good. I would never guess to combine seasonings and spices in the way you did"

"Stop it you two." Maidono smirked, motioning at her right" Hasako will get jealous over you being a culinary power couple"

"W-What? No I won't. Even though I desire to challenge you, Maria-san, with traditional dishes from my childhood. I believe I can prepare something truly divine for Touma"

Even when Hasako said that in her usual, kind and polite tone, there was an edge of competitiveness to her voice.

She tended to get quite possessive when it came to housewife qualities or bringing Touma happiness, although she was polite enough to keep it civil.

"Oh, you are more than welcome. Any experience will be good for me to be his maid" Maria pointed to Touma.

Kaibi and Index chocked at their food at the same time and it took few strong hits on the back to get them breathing again.

"HIS MAID?!" they screamed out.

"M-Maria-san, I didn't exactly agree..."

"Not yet. But it's only a matter of time. It took some time but now I realize you will be a perfect master for me. I told you what I look for in a master, right?"

"You want a master who is dense, clueless, with tendency of getting into trouble..."

Maria wiggled her eyebrows.

"T-This just hurts! Are you going to describe me like that so readily?!"

"Why not? Those qualities are kind of sweet in you."

"Ekhm!" Kaibi coughed to get everyone's attention."Let's get back on track. We need to talk... about what to do next"

(MEANWHILE)

At one of the tables in Tokiwadai gardens, same statement was coincidentally uttered by Shokuhou Misaki. She was facing Mitsuari Ayu, with both girls drinking tea from elegant cups.

At the command of two telepaths, the area around them was devoid of people and once who happened to get close suddenly got reminded of something important elsewhere, and turned back in their tracks.

There was one girl that was an exception to this, as she stood behind Ayu with calm but focused expression.

"My, my, how fancy of you to have a bodyguard." Misaki teased her once-rival, to the embarrassment of Ayu

"Like you are the one to speak, with your clique and all."

Ayu still thought she could easily manage all by herself. But she couldn't deny that in the ast days she started to like quirks of Kuroyoru Umidori. After failing to protect her once, the nitrogen manipulator got very serious about her mission.

"What next, huh?" she sighed, mixing her tea with a spoon" I suppose you mean this dark side of his."

"There is really not anything else we can talk about with such seriousness ability. You are one of his targets, aren't you?"

"Yes... although I am still not fully aware why he wants to dispose of me"

"Peculiar indeed... once I would rejoice, but now it's kind of unsettling..."

"Your care for me is touching. But returning to proper subject... do we have any forces to oppose him?"

"Maybe... I recently conversed with Misaka-san, Index-san, and that pipsqueak on the similar topic. Additionally, there is a relatively new pair with some vanguard ability..."

"Maidono-san. I heard that she is remarkably strong"

"In terms of raw power, she is clearly a level 5. As one myself, I can admit it with no shame. It can't be otherwise, with the fact that she is able to control masses of matter the size of skyscrapers and create telekinetic tremors to the extent of affecting the tectonic processes. The amount of destruction ability she can enact is monstrous, on top of somehow acquiring the unprecedented ability of limited self-levitation."

"She can be useful. There is also... my past... acquaintances, good old Gokusai family... Kumokawa-senpai... and of course Kankyougami Hasako-senpai..."

Ayu paused, noticing a sudden change on Misaki's face.

"Is something the matter? You don't like her?"

Misaki chuckled and waved her hand.

"N-No, that's not really it. I think she is lovely and she will be a great help. But... have you ever tried to enter her mind?"

"No, not really. I think I was curious about her few times, but I guess I never had reason nor opportunity"

"I did, once, when I first meet her... and..."

Misaki could never forget that experience.

On the surface, Hasako's mindscape appeared normal. But in the background...

She never felt so small when entering someone's mind. The pressure emanating from that particular psyche was almost suffocating.

It was the feeling the protagonist of the catastrophic movie surely felt before calamity struck.

The tension before hitting of the tsunami. The intimidation before the explosion of the volcano. The trembling of body alongside the most primal of movements of the depths of the earth. A primordial respect over the forces of nature, instincts since prehistoric times.

The towering power and sheer density being held back by that girl was overwhelming... and terrifying. Even to someone as strong as Misaki... it introduced a whole new feeling of dread.

"... I am just... glad she is on our side"

"The stage is being set as we speak, isn't it? We will have to act very soon"

"Yes... in fact, it may be faster than we can even suspect."

"You don't mean..."

"Yes. For those who manipulate others... and I speak from experience... may often prefer if their attacks goes suddenly and without being seen... in other words, he is going to make his move in the nearest future..."

Silence ruled, disrupted only by a sound made by an Anti-Skill vehicle passing beyond the borders of the Garden of Maidens.

Although, it wasn't a vehicle without significance... because inside...

"Hmm, I can't find you anywhere... you really aren't in the database? This must be a mistake, don't worry, we will get you home... in the meantime, do you want a lollipop?"

"HELL NO!"

Ladylee Tangleroad was red from frustration. Some time ago, the peacekeepers of the city decided in their wisdom to get her to the HQ to find her missing elementary school.

If Ladylee could die, she would gladly to it just to avoid being pissed anymore.

"First time? How old are you?"

A person riding on the back seat asked her.

"30" Ladylee replied, choosing the number randomly from the ones that were at least slightly believable.

To her bewilderment, tear's glistened in her companion's eyes and she grasped her hand.

"F-Finally! I knew there must be someone in this world like me. I am over 30 but new members of Anti-Skill keep trying to look for my caretaker. I have some dignity too!"

"Yeah... no one treats you seriously when you look like we do"

"Right? It's not our fault we stopped growing!"

"What's your name?"

"Tsukuyomi Komoe. What's yours?"

"Emm..."Ladylee hesitated. Something told her this woman, however childish she looked, was actually smarter than the Anti-Skills and could put two and two together" I am Lee. I am a researcher from abroad."

"Oh, really? On what area?"

"Emm... how esper powers influence aging?"

"Fascinating, never got truly invested into it, but I heard there is some interest of some parties. In any case, it's simply horrible to treat a guest like that. Don't worry, I have a friend who can help and-"

Ladylee sighed. Her new friend was peculiar, but it wasn't the worst company ever.

'Either way, I am going back to him... if I ever stop hearing that bullshit about elementary school...'

(MEANWHILE, AT KAMIJOU + GOKUSAI APARTMENT)

As per Shokuou Misaki's prediction, tragedy caused by manipulative enemies struck in the moment least expected. Although the group chatting together after the delicious meal did not yet realize this.

Everyone by the table were informed of what happened in two respective places during Touma's trip to the monastery by the ocean. They spoke of what each of them could do, how could they win and strategized what was the best course of action to prevail and assure the survival of their version of the future in the course of the war they were about to engage in.

Amazora got the idea to put on the music. But it was Rikuri who dropped the unexpected bomb.

"Let's dance! Touma, would you like to dance?"

Unexpectedly, Hasako was the one who got the initiative.

"Due to the right of the age, I call the first dance"

She pulled Touma to the middle of the living room.

"Amazora dear, would you put first position on that list you helped me put together"

"Yup, can do"

Strongly rhythmical music with drums, bass, trumpets, tuba, piano, and saxophones began to play.

Hasako took Touma's hand, as they started to dance.

"Hasako-san... what is this?"

"Is it your first time hearing a swing style of jazz? This is a song that was often played in 1930s, during my childhood. It got to Japan and was very popular before the war. Listening to it always relaxes me. My parents didn't allow me to go out and have fun but I was on couple of parties my father was invited to and I saw the dancers. I learned from observing them. Just follow me and copy my movements."

They began to quickly move alongside the floor alongside the fast paced music. Although he could be described as being sloppy at the very best, he found himself deeply enjoying it, guided by Hasako's hand and looking at her smiling face.

Then came Rikuri and Kaibi, with which he danced tango (due to the certain memories of the past) and Maidono, who opted with something more rock based. All in all, he was happy. Happy, even for a moment, that he was able to cherish this moment with those he loved.

And this was exactly when the happiness decided to end, as Kamijou Touma swiftly collapsed on the ground.

For a moment, no one could properly register what was going on.

Then, the scream came.

He screamed. He screamed in a way no one ever heard before.

It was a hollow, bloodcurdling sound of pure suffering. His body beat onto the floor like a fish out of water.

"Touma? Touma?! What is happening?" Index wanted to rush to the boy's side, but Othinus abruptly stopped her.

"Don't rush in. He reached his limit, we don't know what will happen next"

Many people around looked as if they had the same intention as Index, but now they froze on the spot.

Touma, covered in sweat, with blood flowing from his nose and lips, looked at Kaibi. He extended his hand, which was shaking as if his nerves got damaged.

"Please... you... please... help..."

Somehow, Kaibi understood. She knew what could help.

Her Measure Heart, if applied correctly, could ease his pain and make him go through this entire ordeal in a better shape.

Years of experience made the alarms in her head blaring. She sensed there was something else to it. But the suffering she saw before her eyes, prolonging itself minute by minute, was excruciating. She was disturbed seeing Touma like this.

"I...I..."

Gokusai Kaibi, both as an esper, assassin, and a woman, had many stellar qualities. She has great beauty, intelligence, charisma, social skills, marksmanship, and capacity of reading into situations with ease. This is why she was valued by many, this was also why she was so successful while switching alliances on the turbulent currents of the Academy City's criminal underworld.

She was all that and more. Despite the tragedies in her life, people had a lot to envy her.

But despite all of that... from the standpoint of coldblooded efficiency, Kaibi had one fatal flaw. Or rather, it wasn't as much of a flaw, as it was a weakness to be exploited by her enemies.

This weakness was the reason why she always kept an eye on her sisters or ensured their safety before working alone.

Gokusai Kaibi could not abandon her family. In the world of pretense and lies she lived in since her childhood, there were only real thing she had remaining.

Despite her strictness and conduct, she would do anything for them, precautions be damned.

And Kamijou Touma was now her family. More even, he was a man she chose to love.

Her eyes glowed before she knew it.

"Don't worry, this will be over in a- KHH?!"

The moment she established the heart distance, the boy's face changed.

"Yes, it will"

And in that moment, something pulled on Kaibi's heart.

Or rather, it pulled itself towards her.

She let out a scream.

"Onee-chan?" the alarmed Amazora looked from Touma to Kaibi in confusion.

Kaibi could not understand what was happening.

Through all means and definitions, the heart distance was an abstract concept.

But something grasped it and pulled itself out upon it, as if it was a tangible thing.

The arm of Kamijou Touma burst. And something started to grow form it, dripping with blood. The fluid formed into swirling sphere, similar to a crimson cocoon.

Others observed in shock and horror. Even if anyone wanted to act, they had no idea what exactly could be done without dealing pain to Kamijou Touma.

And then, as if it was some kind of gruesome flower, the pulsing cocoon of redness fell apart, revealing a boy with a dark spiky hair, who took a deep breath, before smiling.

"Freedom! New body... at last!"

Kamijou No Touma looked around at the terrified group around him. He made a small, mocking bow.

"And I even have a lovely welcome committee. You did something right, you loser"

Touma groaned. Something sprung and assembled itself from the gaping hole in his shoulder, until it formed a dimly glowing blue-and-yellow arm. KNT sighed as Kamijou slowly got up.

"This again? You like to repeat history, don't you?"

"Sure do. Because you remember what happened to you last time..."

Touma grit his teeth and went for a punch, but his dark alter ego managed to avoid it, before swiftly grabbing something from the table.

"If this is so, then you surely remember this!"

In the next moment, glass bottle was smashed against Kamijou Touma's head. He groaned once again and fell to one knee.

The other boy smiled brightly amongst droplets of blood, looking at the now broken bottle.

"Oh, nothing beats the elation of such attack. I feel so damn alive!"

"GET AWAY FROM HIM!"

The table jumped forward alongside the couch, smashing Kamijou No Touma into the wall, as Maidono utilized her ability.

Rikuri ran to Touma and Kaibi, helping them to get up.

"Are you alright?"

"Nee-chan, he was just smashed on the head with a bottle, it's obvious he isn't. Touma... I am so, so sorry... if I didn't fall for that..."

"That... wasn't really... on you. It would have happened anyway... I was too weak."

"No, you weren't. It's just-"

"Ekhm, is that how you treat a guest?" KNT said, pressed against the wall" Rude much?"

He moved his eyes until he noticed Index. His face lightened up

"And you are here too. Perfect. Aren't you happy to see me, Index?"

The nun shook her head, stepping back with a fear on her face.

"No...Not this time. You might hide it well, but I sense evil from you"

KNT titled his head, proper annoyance appearing in his eyes. He turned to Touma

"Did you turn her against me?"

"Come on, it's not rocket science" Kaibi spat out" Me and my sisters don't know you for that long, more so, we can see that you are sociopathic and evil"

"Evil?!" the angry edge in KNT's voice got more pronounced" Is trying to save ones close to you evil? Is trying to figure out how to avoid some deaths evil? This reality isn't so kind as this fool paints it to be. People die. More so, each of them should be by definition equal before death, right? I can't save everyone. But maybe I can actually spare the pain of those truly important if I act like I do. There is no way to truly keep peace without war. It's like trying to shine the light without casting any shadow. Violence is a part of life. It's because dreams of human beings will never be identical. This is the beauty of this accursed multiplicity of our hearts. Isn't that right, Kaibi-chan?!"

"Don't call me Kaibi-chan..."

"So..." KNT continued unfazed" If everyone is equal and everyone deserves to be happy, is there any reason one's own vision of goodness should be treated as inferior? No, there isn't. That's why everyone gets the right to act upon their desires. Do what thou wilt and all of that, just like good old Aleister said. That includes all of us. And it's why kindness is not going to save others, power is. Power to crush anything that bothers your version of happiness."

"You are sick. This is not how it works... goodness isn't something you can reinvent on the spot. It's..."

"Something fixed and objective to strive towards?" KNT cut Touma short" Sorry to burst your bubble, but no. I am the emanation of Imagine Breaker. When you had your little crisis and brought me forth to existence, I was searching for that goodness. I looked within myself to the Pure World at the heart of Imagine Breaker, innermost of phases, the pinnacle of objectivity, where all those answers are supposed to be. But what did I see? Nothing! There was absolutely nothing to tell me what to do. Nothing! Isn't that just great? The answer to the nature of reality is reality itself. There is nothing that can be understood to tell us what to do. So if it is so... if there is nothing that I can truly rely on... then I will bring forth my own vision of justice. Starting now!"

"If you don't see it, we are holding you down!"

"You are holding me? I was only staying to chat for a moment."

With that he touched the couch with his right hand, and it fell to the ground as the sound of shattering glass reverberated.

"W-What?" Maidono said in shock" I lost my hold?"

"Bye bye. I have a world to change and future to claim."

KNT took of running before jumping from the balcony...

"Wha-"

...and taking Kamijou Touma alongside him.

"That bastard! How fast is he?" Othinus cried out.

They didn't even see him move before he and Touma disappeared. Was it a matter of physical speed or was there something else in play?

In the middle of flight, Touma realized that he was alone.

His enemy was nowhere to be seen, as Touma plummeted down from ninth floor.

(15 MINUTES LATER)

"Rikuri... I am fine... I really am..." Touma chocked out.

As always when he nearly avoided death, the oldest sister was treating him like a big teddy bear, showering him with kisses.

Index was also crying out of relief. Everyone tried to gain control over what happened, as they tidied up the apartment.

"Really, you nearly gave us a heart attack. I was about to jump and fly for you" Maidono sighed.

"If I were to count the times where a window cleaning gondola saved me from fall from to my death... that would be twice actually"

Indeed, Touma's jacket got caught into the railing of window cleaning gondola. Granted, it almost strangled him in the process, but at least he wasn't smashed like a tomato paste.

"I would assumed that such coincidence can happen to anyone but you, Touma-san" Hasako remarked.

"Also, does onii-chan become radioactive? His arm is glowing and got blue"

"Well, that's the thing" Touma said, clenching and unclenching the fist of his blue-and-yellow appendage." If this situation is anything like last time, then he has my Imagine Breaker..."

"WHAT?!"

"... but in exchange, the natural, not-negated level of my luck is restored."

"So that's how it is..."

"Alright, we need to locate him, as quickly as we can"

"I am on it" Rikuri opened a cupboard and pulled three middle-sized drones" I will send them out to scout in a few minutes"

"Thank you."

Touma got silent. Index walked up to him.

"Touma... is everything alright? Are you hurt?"

"No, it's not that, Index. I just... I feel so bad that this happened... I am getting you, all of you, into serious danger with him on the loose..."

"No, I am to blame here" Kaibi interjected, biting her lip in frustration" I think... I don't know clearly what is going on here yet, but I feel that he somehow grasped my heart distance and used it to anchor himself into physical world... or something. This is my fault, if I wasn't so careless..."

"No, I was the one who allowed him to be here in the first place... it's not your fault"

"From what I could analyze about the situation, it kind of was her fault" Enshuu put salt into Kaibi's wounds.

"No, either way, I-"

"If anyone should and will take responsibility, it will be me"

The air shimmered as if in desert mirage and Nephthys suddenly appeared in front of them.

"Nephthys? What are you talking-"

"Gokusai Kaibi, it's true that he used your power in a way you describe. But it was me who allowed him to get that one final push. And you..."

She grabbed Touma by the slightly bloodied shirt, looking him into the eyes.

"Before you start saying that this is horrible, consider the state you are in."

"My state doesn't matter!"

"Really? If you were to keep opposing him, it would destroy you and take your life. It was going on for weeks, if not longer. Othinus agreed with me that this was the best course of action in order to keep you alive."

Touma looked at Othinus, who silently nodded.

"Am I really... is my life really worth more than the entire world, that can be in danger right now?" he shouted.

Nephthys paused for a moment, but the look in her eyes didn't waver.

"For some, whose hearts you've changed... yes, you are"

Touma stared at her incredulously, before his cheeks darkened a little and he turned around with a sigh.

"R-Right now we need to think about how to deal with this mess... but we are going to talk about this later"

"Of course. My involvement here isn't done. Although, for now, I want to borrow Othinus and discuss something with her. Private Magic God affair, you see. But I am sure it can be of use to you"

"Wait-"

"Ta ta!"

Both she and Othinus disappeared. Touma sighed.

"I swear, they just come and go as they please."

"So, what do we do now?" Maidono asked.

"While Rikuri-san searches, we can move out and start looking for him ourselves. This will be the most effective"

"So... I have to stay here?" Rikuri asked quietly.

"You can fight remotely and you are not suited for direct combat. You will still be able to help"

"I know, I just... I would like to be by your side. I suppose you are correct. So how about this? I will come, but stay in hiding. If anything happens, I can still join you. Sounds good?"

"Well, fine with me... Maria-san, you-"

"No" the girl in black and yellow cut him off.

"I didn't even say anything yet"

"It's master-servant telepathy. A good maid is always two steps ahead of her master's intentions. You want to send me, don't you. Well, no way. I am staying and helping. You can see that I can be useful, can't you?"

"But..."

"And don't make me run for onee-chan either. She is so paranoid that she will learn about it quicker than you think" Maria said, putting her hands on her hips.

She and Touma stared at each other for a moment.

"You are as stuborn as senpai, you know that?"

"Our unyielding nature is a family trait that is our greatest pride, thank you very much"

"Index, I assume that-"

The eyes of the nun already told him that there was absolutely no way for her to stay behind.

"Oh, to hell with that. And I was just trying to be considerate..."

(2 HOURS LATER)

For a while, nothing was coming along. Even though they spread after leaving the apartment, and reunited one hour later, they didn't get the trace on Kamijou No Touma.

But... the trouble his arrival caused was only beginning.

After all of them were deciding where to go next, they suddenly spotted two vehicles and 10 members of the Anti-Skill.

Touma felt relief. Maybe they could help them in stopping the threat.

"Hi, can you help us? This will sound strange, but we are looking for-"

The reaction he got was nothing he expected.

The officers immediately tensed up and faced them.

One of them checked something on his tablet, looked up, and then nodded.

"No mistake here. Are you Kamijou Touma?"

"Y-Yes? Why do you-"

"You are under arrest for assault and causing physical harm to another student"

"What?!"

"You will come with us"

"Wait a moment, I just-"

"Don't come closer!"

Touma's eyes widened, and the girls behind him collectively gasped, as the officers suddenly reached for their weapons.

"Stay where you are. Slowly go down on the ground, with hands on view"

"Oi, what the hell? What is this?!" Maidono shouted.

"Exactly, why the hell are you targeting him like some criminal?"

The officers exchanged looks.

"Step aside. Or we will take you are helping him and treat you accordingly. We don't want to hurt you"

"Oh, we are definitely helping." Maidono clicked her tongue in annoyance" Hurt us? Want to compare lifting strength?"

She raised her hands and two armoured cars soared in the air as if they were feathers. When the hands dropped, so did the vehicles, smashing into the ground.

"Telekinesis? Damn you!"

The Anti-Skills pointed their weapons at them.

Maidono groaned. She made a wide, circular gesture towards herself with both of her hands.

"You realized it, yet you still use your weapons? Really now..."

The guns jumped out of the hands of the adults, and floated towards Maidono.

"Kaibi-san, can you use Measure Heart?"

"I can, on one of them. Maybe this will cause the commotion-"

"Everyone, I have a better idea" Hasako whispered" Stay close to me for a moment."

"Oi, I told you not to-"

"Go to sleep"

In one moment, area around them became devoid of oxygen.

The officers' eyes widened, and they gasped for air, before falling like cut down trees. It was over in an instant.

Hasako sighed, deactivating the anaerobic environment.

"I am still sure that I could do it" Kaibi pointed out" Your power is like a cheat skill, stop stealing all the glory and let me do my job"

"I think more pressing matter is explaining what the hell is going on here" Maidono muttered. She broke down one of the guns and rotated the components in the air" Tranquilizer shots. Good, at least they were not going for the ki-GYAAAH?!"

Maidono's shriek was caused by something grabbing her by the arm.

That something came from the wreckage of the Anti-Skill vehicle and was rapidly gaining human resemblance, with tissue and skin healing on the silhouette.

"Damn you! What a shitty day! One moment you sleep on the backseat and the next you die by being squashed?! I hate death through being smashed to pieces! I certainly don't enjoy the pain you know!"

"It's the zombie girl!"

"Again, that's just rude!"

"Ladylee?!" Touma asked in shock" Where have you been?"

"Short answer, buying you crepe. Long answer... taken for a child, listening to some pink haired teacher's life story, and then being left in the car the officer escorting me was called to intercept you for some reason... I only left you alone to buy you something. Why the hell I tried being nice and everything went on its head? You are honestly impossible, you know that?"

"W-Well, quite a few things happened..."

"What is going on here?!"

Touma knew that voice.

The door of one of the nearby buildings opened, revealing Yomikawa Aiho, looking in shock at the fallen officers. She noticed Touma and her group.

"Kamijou?"

"Yomikawa-sensei, what is going on?!"

"I was hoping you could tell me... after what you did..."

"WAIT! That wasn't him!"

Two people who pushed their way from behind Yomikawa were even greater surprise to Touma.

"Hokaze-san. And... and... emmm... twintail-san?"

"It's Mei! You hit me once, remember?"

Even though she was clearly annoyed, why did she blush while saying that?

"Ah, one of the girls at the pool! You are from Misaki's clique, right? From my perspective, it was more like you running into my fist..."

"Hokaze-san, are you positive that this is not him?"

"Well, no, it's Kamijou Touma... but Kamijou Touma didn't do it"

"Oh... the arm..."

"Yes. The attacker had normal arm, not... what is this blue thing, Kamijou-senpai?"

"Long story and quite complicated"

"Anti-Skill is so stupid sometimes" Kaibi whispered to Maidono.

"For real. And people wonder why we were dark siders"

"Well, in that case, you might want to go inside... after helping me move all of my subordinates..."

"On that note, where did Enshuu-chan go?" Rikuri asked Amazora, as she was the one to keep the eye on the small Kihara.

"I think she hid somewhere the moment we saw Anti-Skill. Maybe she doesn't want to get caught? She probably can escape with ease, but... maybe she has other plan for the situation and wouldn't like to have to deal with Anti-Skill"

"Sometimes I forget that Handcuffs is technically still in effect, while the action itself ended. Doesn't it apply to us? Oh, but I suppose that living with Touma grants as some form of pardon as long as we behave... that's something that

(10 MINUTES LATER)

Yomikawa sighed loudly.

"Kamijou-kun, it's only because I know you and because you have quite a reputation for being involved in rather inexplicable events, I believe it... but identity theft by someone who looks exactly like you? On that scale? You are an only child, right?"

"Yes, I..."

"Mmmmmmmmmmm..."

Low sound was coming from Amazora's throat.

In the alley, hidden from prying eyes and working on something metallic-looking, Kihara Enshuu's head perked up, her eyes narrowing.

In the other part of the city, Leivinia Birdway suddenly crushed a can from which she was drinking with irritated expression.

Outside of Academy City, Tatsugami Otohime sneezed. She didn't know why, but it put her into quite a sour mood.

"B-Biologically, I am the only child... but... Yomikawa-sensei, please, just trust me on this..."

"Even without putting sentiment into this, the testimonies of two witnesses serve in your favour... somehow... my god, I am too sober for something like this..."

"You shouldn't say things like that on duty, sensei...a-anyway, what happened? Can someone finally tell me?"

"Well, it was roughly an hour and half ago. Those witnesses encountered a sight of a man that looks just like you hurting another student. When they tried to intervene, he supposedly just disappeared."

"That bastard..." Touma grit his teeth, before asking" Who... who was that? Who was hurt?"

Yomikawa Aiho, with saddened eyes, spoke a name.

Touma's face paled in horror and fright.

(HOUR AND A HALF EARLIER)

Fukiyose Seiri couldn't help but be slightly embarrassed, walking with a wrapped up bento box in her hand.

"This doesn't feel right yet... b-but I have to try. If he really feels bad, this might cheer him up. I am not expert on bento making, but I think I did alright. And I bet that moron should use some ecological products in his meals. You can't go for cheap all the time..."

She fidgeted in place, suddenly nervous.

"Why am I so anxious? It's normal for a friend to care for another friend by bringing him something like this... but... after that dinner, my heart can't rest, damn it... why do you always cause me problems even when it's for a good reason, Kamijou?"

She was so absorbed with her thoughts that she didn't notice that she bumped into someone.

"Oh, I am... wait, Kamijou?"

The spiky haired boy paused and looked at her.

"Hmm?"

"I was just going to see you. Did you talk with Aisa? I think she went to see you too... and I heard that you've been feeling unwell, so I wanted to... make something for you..."

"..."

"I know that it's not nice like in TV or something... and I bet Aisa would make a better one as well... b-but I tried. C-Cause, you know, I've been thinking a lot since we had that dinner together... and I just want to tell you that I... I..."

The boy smiled lightly, as she struggled for words. He placed a finger on his lips and suddenly hugged the girl.

"Hey, w-w-what's the big deal? I-I am not ready for..."

"I get it, it's amazing, really, that you feel this way... that is... it would be..." he trailed off for a moment" If I actually cared for any of it."

"What are you tal-"

Fukiyose's body jolted in the embrace, as if shocked by electricity.

Bento box slipped from her hand and hit the ground, just as small stream of red flew down from her lips.

Kamijou No Touma raised an eyebrow, stepping back. In his hand was a long shard of glass, soaked in blood to one third of its length.

Fukiyose's eyes widened as her hand went to the level of her liver. When she pulled it back, it was bright red. Her legs gave out as she looked at boy incomprehensibly.

KNT twirled the shard of glass in his hand and sigh.

"Sorry, nothing personal, but I have to get going. And honestly, you never know to shut up. Besides... that's a good look. His face was exactly the same when he was stabbed during the anteroom of that hell..."

He looked at Fukiyose's wound, deep in thought.

"I appear to miss the liver, but hit the portal vein... Rejoice! You will live for a moment longer. But it depends on you... it would be nice if you found some help before losing too much blood... so..."

'It's not him. There is no way that he would look like that-'

Terrified Fukiyose stared at the boy, who wasn't Kamijou Touma, as he bent over her, his eyes flashing in toxic pink colour.

"Run"

As if it was a magic spell of some sort, Fukiyose, scrambled to her feet and chaotically run through the small street, tumbling and scrambling up as she desperately tried to get away.

Kamijou No Touma walked slowly, with each step resounding in perfect harmony with the other. With the addition of the cane and a suit, he would emanate the energy of elegant gentleman from Victorian Era.

However, just when Fukiyose collapsed on the ground, someone else touched his shoulder.

"Huh?"

And a blade was swung in his direction.

(AND NOW, THE MOMENT OF JUNKO AND MEI'S INVOLVEMENT)

"We were walking to meet with our friend, Kii, and we were talking..." Junko told Touma and the others"

Mei looked to the side awkwardly. To be honest, the topic of that conversation involved the fact that ever since she was hit by Touma, feeling of being abruptly stopped in her speed became... attractive to her, and she confessed some of the feelings in relation to hope of meeting Touma again to Junko. She prayed Junko would not disclose that information and fortunately, she didn't.

"When we became alerted, we noticed Fukiyose-san on the ground and two people fighting... a boy looking just like Kamijou-san... and a swordswoman with a one-legged jeans and a ponytail...

"Kanzaki encountered him too? Why?" Touma said quietly to himself" Did she sense him or something?"

"The way they moved was amazing... we couldn't follow them with our eyes. And we are quite quick too" Junko shook her head" That girl wielded a sword better than anything I ever saw. But the way this boy fought... there was something terrifying and alien about it."

"Like... what?"

"He was moving as if he was teleporting... but at the same time... it's so hard to describe. I don't know... as if he wasn't moving like a real person... I am sorry, I know it sounds stupid"

"It seems both he and the swordswoman sustained injuries and retreated. The girl disappeared first, but as we tried to intervene, he said one thing before also disappearing...

(FLASHBACK)

"That wound inflicted on her... it's symbol of my will for you. It's poetic isn't it? Tell that to him. I am sure he will get it"

As much as the girls wanted to pursue both fighters, wherever they went, the motionless body of Fukiyose Seiri caught their attention.

"Hokaze-san, she lost a lot of blood, her life is in danger! We need to get her to the hospital immediately!" Mei shouted.

"R-Right! I can carry her, I am used to carrying others"

"I will lead the way. Can you keep up with my Wild Speed?"

"Yes, I can, after a moment I will have acceleration equal to you. There is no time to waste, let's go!"

In the next moment, both girls became blurs as they zoomed through the streets, carrying Fukiyose Seiri to hospital.

(BACK TO THE PRESENT)

Kamijou Touma could not hold back any longer.

He went forward and embraced Hokaze Junko.

"K-Kamijou-san?"

"Is she... is she safe?"

"Y-Yes... she is. It was a close call, but they managed to stabilize her..."

"I see. Thank gods..." he whispered into the girl's chest" And thank you, so much. I am indebted to you"

Junko smiled, wrapping one hand around Touma and patting his head with the other.

"There is nothing to thank for. I am happy I was able to save anyone close to you."

"And thank you too!" Touma said, separating from Junko and hugging Mei.

The poor girl looked like she was a step from exploding due to shyness and embarrassment.

"O-O-Oh you know, like senpai said... t-t-that's just something to be done... i-it's fine..."

"Okay everyone!" Yomikawa clapped her hands" I need to head out and deal with this imposter you speak about. I also want to interview all of you... so you need to stay here"

Touma shook his head.

"I am sorry, Yomikawa-sensei, but we have to go"

Then, telekinetically controlled handcuff was put around Yomikawa's hand. With Maidono's gesture, the second cuff was pulled towards the other hand, also locking around it. In the same time, a second pair of cuffs locked around her legs, before finally, third pair locking the link of first handcuffs to the metal railing near the exit.

"My cuffs... Kamijou! I can't just let children against that guy!"

"Yomikawa-sensei, I would love to have your assistance. Once we get out of here, we will call for someone to free you. But this is something I need to do this. There is no way I will sit on the sidelines"

Yomikawa sighed.

"You would probably just do it anyway. But you are in so much trouble for this"

"That's just daily life of this Kamijou for you"

As they were leaving, Yomikawa smirked at Maidono

"You are good. You wouldn't fancy joining Anti-Skill in the future? We would benefit with someone who has such restraining proficiency"

"Hah, the moment I do something for Anti-Skill would be the day pigs fly"

"Humans do, apparently"

"H-Hey, how do you... shut up!"

(AS EVERYONE WALKED OUTSIDE)

"We are splitting up." Touma said, marching through the street, with the group following him" If he is out, he will probably go look for Rin-san. Or she will come to him. Maria-san, I would like you to go find her. I have an idea where she might be..."

"I am going with her as well. We still have a score to settle. Three time's a charm" Ladylee clenched her fist.

"Are you sure you will be alright?"

"Of course we will. Just leave it to us" Maria grinned at him, striking a pose.

"If it helps, we want to find this swordswoman. She seemed to have some agenda of her own, we also want to check if she is okay" Junko remarked.

"Are you sure? This has nothing to do with you, you were just nice enough to help"

"I am positive. You know that girl, right? I saw it in your eyes."

"Yes... I would go myself, but..."

"We understand. We will notify the Queen too and we will search for her."

"Be careful. Something tells me that Rin-san may not be the only pawn this manipulative bastard set up... as for me, I need to go check on Fukiyose, even if for a moment."

"We will go with you" Amazora, Kaibi, and Rikuri, as well as Index, volounteered" Then, we will be ready for whatever next you have planned"

"All right. Then... Hoshimi, Hasako. Do you still want to go on with me to fight?"

"Are you stupid? Is this even a question? Sure we do!"

"Like Hoshimi said, it is my earnest desire to aid you"

"Well... then I will be with you as quickly as I can... but I have to ask you for a favour. Rikuri, is there any possible sighting?"

"Actually there is. I think I pinpointed his assumed location"

"Relay it to them"

After they split up, Touma resumed walking forward.

"That leaves Enshuu... well, I am sure she will show up sooner or later... now, to the hospital..."

"How are we going to get there? Is a bit far for just walking? Taxi?"

"No, I have a better idea, since I am in this state. Do you remember that time when we first met and how there was a big, bioengineered dragon going around?"

Index looked at the group with curiosity, as they referred to the time before she met Touma.

"Yeah, I remember it very well." Rikuri confirmed.

"It was kind of cool, but onii-chan still defeated it. Would be better if it was a real one though" Amazora mused out-loud.

"What about it though?" Kaibi asked.

"Well, I don't really recall it, but I have a good enough picture... and if things are as they were during the party in the castle, then that means..."

Touma's sky blue and lemon yellow arm extended and spread out, encircling and wrapping around him, as his silhouette grew and grew in diameter, before falling onto all fours. His limbs became muscular, with sharp claws, a long tail grew from the extension of spiked back, and in the place of face there were crocodile-like jaws. Large, bat-like wings sprouted into the sky above the body.

Index smiled. Last time this form appeared, she wasn't fully herself, but she could swore she remembered this sight, as if through the foggy clouds.

Kaibi looked comically shocked, with widely opened mouth and big, unblinking eyes.

Rikuri gasped, putting hands to her lips.

Amazora's eyes were sparkling as she screamed.

"A real dragon?! Onii-chan is a real dragon! I wanna ride, I wanna ride, I wanna ride!"

"Well..." Touma's voice resounded" That's what I changed for. Hop on, there is no time to waste."

Amazora and Index climbed very quickly. Kaibi took a moment longer, but it was Rikuri who was the most hesitant.

"A-Are you sure? M-Maybe..."

"Don't tell me you have fear of heights?"

"A-A bit..."

"Rikuri... you are a drone operator"

"T-There is a big difference in remotely flying something and viewing from the safety of the ground and actually being in the air"

"Don't worry. If you fall, I will catch you..."

"P-Please don't mention falling..."

Ultimately, everyone was placed on the back of Touma's dragon form.

"Let's go. There is no time to waste..."

With the few strong wingbeats, they were in the sky.

"Wahahahahahahahaha! I AM FLYING!"

Amazora was obviously the most happy about the situation.

Kaibi tried to keep cool composure, but it was clear that she was also somewhat animated by this unique experience.

Index looked around, viewing the city's sky-level panorama.

Meanwhile Rikuri latched herself onto Touma's draconic form, and even though her eyes weren't closed, she didn't dare to look down through the entire duration of the flight.

(SOME TIME LATER, AT THE SWITCHYARD OF DISTRICT 17)

Kamijou No Touma walked steadily across the labyrinth of containers.

"That troublesome Saint..." he looked at glowing wounds on his body. He was already recovering but the scars remained and ached" Well, no matter. I am sure that she suffered fair deal as well... and I will be fully healed in no time..."

He froze, as if sensing something.

"And it seems more fools are going to show up"

Something appear on the sky. A girl was falling like a shooting star.

Still in flight, she extended her hands and threw them forward.

In the next moment, a pillar of compressed air fell onto Kamijou No Touma.

Maidono Hoshimi had no way to interfere with his body directly. However, the indirect option of affecting someone via air around her was on the table.

Telekinesis exerted pressure, which was strength against the object divided by the surface it was applied to. If surface area was small enough and the strength was great enough, even the pressure of air itself could be devastating. The area was deliberately small and if Maidono's telekinesis was anything, it was strong.

The ground around the boy caved in and cracked, breaking more and more.

Kamijou No Touma didn't fall, but he was struggling against the enormous strength applied to the area. Even so, a smile didn't leave his face, as he bit his lip, and wobbled to keep his footing on the unsteady ground.

Maidono roared and amongst the devastating pressure, the ground around rose up, moved in a wave-like motion, broke down, and tilted in several directions, as the trembling permeated the switchyard. The deep rift spread across it and parted the earth in two as the rain of debris and metal fall all over the district, with thin spears of soil arising like miniature mountains from the movement of displaced earth.

She finally landed on the ground, panting.

While contained on miniature scale, the earthquake she caused was a devastating calamity for the area it affected. Should such a thing occur on the sea, the resulting wave could reach over 250 meters in height.

From the clouds of dust, Kamijou No Touma spoke.

"You are one bad bitch. That's how you say hello? Got to say, if that's his welcome committee, I have to give a credit when it's due. However..."

He suddenly appeared just behind Maidono, and behind her shocked face could fully turn to him, she was hit and sent flying to the ground. Yet, she rose before long.

"That's not over yet!"

Two containers, each weighing dozens of tons, rose up and were flung in the direction of the enemy.

Or... they were supposed to be.

Kamijou No Touma slowly clapped his hands.

"Wow, that could have been ugly..."

By taking one step, he found himself once more in front of her.

"... if it actually reached its mark, that is"

Maidono tried to direct her index fingers, but he hit her again, sending her into the train tracks.

"Do yourself, and me, a favour of staying down. I have something to collect from here. If you continue to annoy me, I will kill you"

"Not... yet..."

Maidono lifted her hands. One after the other, bolts shooting up, the rails were pulled up and shot at Kamijou No Touma. He sighed, dodging all of the attacks.

"How disappointing" he said, seizing Maidono by the face" Did you seriously think this would do anything?"

Maidono said nothing, but made a quick gesture with his hand.

A fragment of the rail shot up and shot through Kamijou No Touma.

He winced and snarled.

"A purposeful miss to position me in a better spot? Tch..."

He smashed Maidono to the ground, the girl bouncing and falling a lengthy distance from him. She gasped in pain, her head tilting to the side.

KNT grabbed and slowly removed the rail from his stomach. A glowing pink-and-green spot marked the place where it was lodged. He was covered in sweat.

"What a pain. This body is only an imitation, but the damage still accumulates and needs to be healed, unless I want to shed it. Well, time to finish-"

Just when he paused. Sweat... was it this hot just moments ago?

Something changed in the air.

Because someone else appeared.

She picked up the unconscious Maidono.

"Oh? I remember you..."

"Unforgivable..."

"Huh?"

Even though she struggled with the weight of her companion, she didn't think even for a moment to abandon her.

The earth rumbled and began to glow orange, smoke coming from the cracks from Maidono's earthquake.

Earth gave away under her feet ever so slightly, as temperature increased even more.

"What you did is unforgivable. I promise you, even if the humanity loses to you, I will survive. I will turn every land you live in barren. I will set out the calamity beyond your imagination if you continue hurting ones I love."

"Ah yes... if my memory serves right..."

"Listen, you imitation. Kamijou Touma saved my life and gave me the chance to began anew. I love him from the bottom of my heart, so I won't allow you to ever take him away from me and spit on all the things he did for others. If there ever was anything worth fighting for in my life, it's this"

The girl carrying Maidono fixed her gaze on him, her hair fluttering slightly from the movement of sulphur-filled air.

The malicious boy snapped his fingers.

"You are..."

Magma found its way to the surface of the earth, erupting in small streams. In its glow, the girl's multicoloured eyes appeared almost crimson.

"I am Kankyougami Hasako, the Child of the Beginning and the First Esper. I am about to aid in erasing your wretched existence from this world"

Kamijou No Touma stretched, licking his lips.

"Interesting... so let's be it..."

(MEANWHILE, AT THE HOSPITAL)

Kamijou Touma looked silently at Fukiyose, laying silently at hospital bed.

More specifically, he was looking at the wound on the side of her belly.

He grit his teeth. He touched the same spot on his body.

"Is this your idea of some twisted justice?" he muttered, anger rising within him.

A wound from shard of glass, to Fukiyose specifically... in the same exact spot...

"That wasn't even the same Fukiyose. She was only like that due to Othinus"

Was there some elaborate rule behind his enemy's actions? Or did Kamijou No Touma injure Fukiyose in such manner just to prove a point, to make a cruel joke out of irony on a whim?

Kamijou No Touma, among all the enemies, was special in one particular regard.

Kamijou Touma actually hated him to his core.

He didn't know if it was due the fact that they were so different... or maybe that he feared that he could turn out the same if fate dictated it?

Anyway, the declaration of war was clear.

And he was not about to be passive about it.

He grasped Fukiyose's hand and gave it a squeeze.

"I am heading out. Just so you know, I am sorry that you got hurt because of me again. I swear, I will make this right"

He then exited the room.

His four companions rose up at once.

"This is it then" Kaibi commented" We fight together, like we supposed to"

"Yes. But this is also personal. I will make the first move. If I need to fall back, we will attack together. In other case, support me. Index, I would like for you to analyze him, like you always do with spells. He is not human, maybe you will find something interesting. I am not the same person I was when we fought last time, but neither is he, so every bit of knowledge will be valuable"

"I got it"

Touma sighed and concentrated inwardly.

'Are you still there?'

'We are ready to strike. Without restrictions of that right arm, we can emerge any time' said the voice of Emerald dragoness.

'If there will be food. Will there will be something tasty outside?' Cobra Dragon inquired.

'Silence, you fool. Can't you see that the situation is grave?' the grim voice of Darkness Dragon boomed.

'What is your plan, human?' asked Undead Flame Dragon.

Touma clenched his blue-and-yellow fist, as he marched forward through the corridor, ready to change form as soon as they exited the hospital.

'The best and simplest. To fight. To not give up. To win'

'Should we worry then?'

'What? That's my plan almost every time!'

(MEANWHILE)

"Come on, just a little bit longer. Can you go faster?" Ayu sighed, as the two of them headed out of the school grounds.

"Faster? Be... grateful... I am going... at all..." Misaki wheezed, catching her breath" But... I admit... to be summoned by... my girls, and in the...needy hour of... my prince... this is shameful... my stamina... I am a failure..."

"Come on, being a failure in that regard never bothered you before"

"I... hey!"

"You two..." Umidori pointed out at the nearby street" Don't we have someone to find?"

"I know her..." Misaki muttered" Let's hurry up... then"

"Hurry up? REALLY, you are just going to say it?!"

(MEANWHILE, AT UIHARU KAZARI'S DORM)

Uiharu sighed. She just finished getting Judgement files on her computer in order to smooth out the next day of her job. She was in the middle of deciding whether to make something to eat or have some more personal coding fun on the computer, when there was a doorbell sound.

Uiharu raised an eyebrow. That was unexpected. She didn't hear from any of her friends or acquaintances today, and no one certainly wanted to come to her place.

She rarely had guests, not counting Misaka, Shirai, and Saten. Saten was especially frequent in her visits, but Uiharu knew for a fact that she was busy for the evening.

"Coming!" she shouted, coming to her feet and making her way to the door. Who could that be?

Maybe it was Kenko. Ruiko's younger brother liked to spend time with her. He was kind of endearing with treating him with such respect and being genuinely curious about her. Even though Uiharu was older than him, she certainly didn't expect something like that. She knew that she didn't look very mature physically and it wasn't uncommon for people to lower her age. She wouldn't mind if that was him.

But as she looked through the vizier, the surprise was even greater.

"Wha-" she paused, before speaking louder" Ri... Rin-chan? Is that you?"

"Hello Kazari. I am sorry for the intrusion. Is it alright if I come in?"

Sukemi Rin, Uiharu's second cousin, was on the doorstep.

"O-Of course, wait a second"

Uiharu undid the doorchain and opened the door widely.

"Sorry, it's just... it's always better to double-check. You hear about the crimes when some crazy maniac with a knife cuts someone down through the door."

Rin's expression didn't change.

"Of course, I get it"

"I... I didn't see it in ages. What brings you here?"

"I just... felt sentimental. I wanted to see you~..."

"Really? Well, then... make yourself comfortable. I have a lot to tell you"

"Thank you, cousin. Don't mind if I do"

"What would you like? Coffee or tea?"

"Do you have a cocoa?"

"I don't know... maybe... I will check... in the meantime, have some cake. I brought it from the bakery today"

Uiharu went to kitchen and started to search through the cupboards, while Rin sat down on the couch.

"How is life going for you?"

"Nothing much... rather dull... although recently I met a very interesting person. And how is Judgement work?"

"It's going fine... although there are some strange occurrences in the city as of recent time"

"Oh?"

"Someone is apparently going around cutting people. Luckily, usually it only ends on injuries not deaths... although they can be grave..."

Still preoccupied with rummaging through the cupboards, Uiharu failed to notice the grin that suddenly appeared on Rin's face, and which reflected on the window.

"That sounds dangerous" she said, taking a knife and slowly cut through the strawberry on the cake. The red juice slowly dripped down the slice.

"Oh, it is... please be careful. With someone like this on the loose, you never know where the danger can appear from. Take care until the culprit is caught"

"I will take it under advice, cousin... I truly will~..."

(MEANWHILE, SOME FIVE KILOMETERS AWAY)

"Are you keeping up?" Kumokawa Maria shouted to Ladylee Tangleroad.

"Who do you think you are talking to... "Ladylee muttered before whispering to herself" Damn, I got rusty... I ran at the...first modern olympics in 1896... dressed like a man... but still... that was ages ago... so much planning to die that one totally forgets to exercise... kilometer or two, sure... but more?... Damn it..."

"Maid must be quick and swift in aiding her master" Maria also panted slightly, trying to pick the pace of the jog" But those fitness monsters are on another level. That's speed ability for you"

The 'monsters' being Hokaze and Mei, could very well be light years ahead of them.

"Still, we must do our best. Touma is counting on us. And if we are not mistaken, Uiharu-san might be in danger!"

(SOME TIME LATER, AT THE SWITCHYARD)

Everything around was melting. The containers were turning into grey, bubbling mass. The heat was unbearable.

Melting point of steel was located roughly between 1200 and 1350 degrees Celcius. Meanwhile, Hasako's magma, now lava upon reaching the surface, reached 1500 degrees.

The volcanic environment was designed for bats. It was valuable because of its sulphuric air. The magma was merely an extra addition.

After all, nothing, not even the toughest bacteria, could survive in it.

But that was the effect Hasako was looking for.

But even though Kamijou No Touma had difficulty fighting in such conditions, it didn't stop him from rapidly closing in on her and avoiding her attacks.

If they could be called proper attacks. Environment Control was not an offensive power.

Both of them were tired, although it was clear that Kamijou No Touma's recovery and stamina were greater.

"Honestly, you are holding yourself back far too much. Is it because of that extra lugggage? She did a little bit of damage, but it's all healed now. Still I would like to pay her for the service..."

In the next moment, he grabbed Maidono by the leg and it took everything Hasako could to avoid having her friend snatched away.

"You are immune to your own ability, but she is not. And you can't risk letting her down to truly fight, because I might toss her to your lava, silly me. Oh, poor you. I bet any of your environments wouldn't end well for her. But I know you want to give me a good fight. Come on, I can feel that you are holding back. You have so much power, it's commendable. Let it go and decimate this city, no, this country. I will allow it. It might even do some damage to me."

"If I stopped holding back, I would destroy all life around me. I can't do that"

"Sure you can. Life is not something you can destroy so easily"

"That includes Index-san"

"Huh... touché. But still... I see the rage on your pretty face. Let's play some more"

In that moment, the ground burst apart.

Enormous volcanic eruption, dozens of meters high, erupted and swallowed the boy.

The ground shook and layer of ash rained down on the blazing inferno.

Hasako wiped blood of her face.

"You have no right to call me pretty. Only he can"

She turned to look at Maidono

"Let's go, Hoshimi. I need to get you the-"

"You don't have much of the actual combat experience, do you?"

A figure burst out of the smoke and struck Hasako to the side.

Kamijou No Touma's skin was sizzling. He was grimacing slightly, and few wide cracks of greenish pink ran across his body, but he was very much alive.

She cried out, when he twisted her arm. It exploded with pain. Her opponent used confusion to snatch Maidono out of her grasp."In a battle, you always check if your opponent is actually dead. That's basic. But, I applaud the raw ferocity. Honestly, you would have died instantly if I didn't intercept that. He keeps saying that his type is gentle and loving, but honestly, again, I think that he is into women that can kick ass. Just my observation"

He then tossed Maidono straight into the lava.

"NO!"

In an instant, the volcanic environment vanished, temperature suddenly dropping.

This was what Kamijou No Touma waiting for.

He close the distance and attacked relentlessly, sending Hasako backwards.

"How are you keep avoiding attacks like this? And moving so fast? It's inhuman..." she choked out.

"Hmm, I suppose it's true. I am not human, but there is more to it. Imagine Breaker is without a fault connected to the Pure World, the uniform layer of objective reality. Space, time, multiplicity, causality... those concepts don't exist out there. It's all one objective unity. Those factors are, even if natural, already relative deformities of imperfect world. What I am doing is negating fraction of those concepts to erase the fragment of cause-effect relation, distance in space, or moment in time. Of course, those concepts are too fixed to be negated in their entirety. It's not like fully-realized version of Imagine Breaker can unravel entire spacetime reality... or, at the very least, I didn't try it out. But having tapped into Pure World allows much more than just deviations of natural order, which is scientific esper abilities or magical teachings... it allows one to control fate itself."

Hasako roared and the environment turned into frozen wasteland...

KNT shook his head. He was completely unbothered, as he shattered ice and walked through the snow.

"You are still holding back. Is it compassion?"

"Always. Everyone I knew is gone forever, turned to dust... and I..."

She exhaled, looking at ice glittering around her.

"... when I was frozen in time... that coldness never left me afterwards. Every cell in my body wanted to die... to just sleep... but this compassion... for the first gave me warmth. For all of my life, I was so scared of myself. What I could do, what I might do... but ever since I fell in love with him, I started to think what I want to do... for him... and for us. Compassion saved my life, so I am not throwing it away"

"Eh, suit yourself. For me, it tends to be quite annoying"

"Annoying? I would rather say... distracting"

Something stabbed into Kamijou No Touma. Or rather, several things.

Those were metal rods used to stabilize structure of concrete.

Hasako looked at her enemy with slight superiority.

"You see, most people who love him tend to be quite stubborn"

Behind them, shakily standing up and with blood dripping from her head, Maidono Hoshimi smiled weakly.

The rods dug deeper into Kamijou Touma's body as she crossed her hands into 'X' sign.

She then lifted him into the air.

With Hasako's roar, a wave of sandstorm wind blasted Kamijou No Touma into the sky in the high parabole flight. He disappeared.

Two girls collapsed on their knees, panting.

"Did we do it?"

"Doubt it, but at least we bought couple minutes of ti-"

Something shone on the horizon. It was big and it was flying towards them rapidly.

And then, it became bigger and bigger.

Before finally...

"THAT HURT, DAMN IT! YOU BURNED AND IMPALED ME... AGAIN!"

It was a dragon, in a toxic, exotic colours of shocking pink and emerald green.

He stomped on the ground with tremendous force and roared, before breaking apart, as if he was folding into itself.

Kamijou No Touma's eyes were of the same colour when he emerged and the cracks on his face made it appear more like a mask than anything else.

"I would rather play with you longer, but since you are so stubborn, let me show you what happens when I go all out..."

"There is no need for that" A voice all-too familiar for all of them resounded behind them.

Kamijou Touma was slowly walking through the battlefield,

His counterpart grinned widely. He flexed his arms and straightened up, as if finding new energy.

"This was your plan? To tire me up with entrante before the main course? You are quite cruel"

"No. We wanted to do this for him. I don't know how much, but we made the difference"

"Hoshimi, Hasako, thank you so much. You can rest now."

"No, we can still fight. We will support all of you"

"Hasacchi, I need to get you treated first..."

"He almost broke your arm too

The wind blew away the dust, revealing Gokusai sisters in the battle formation, ready for the signal from Touma, as well as Index, standing some distance away, with her gaze fixated on Kamijou No Touma.

"Guys, this is it. Remember what we talked about" said Kaibi

"You don't have to tell me. I all ready and good to go" Rikuri said, with joystick in her hand.

"Evil onii-chan is so also... it's strange to shoot something that looks like onii-chan... but not enough not to do it" Amazora grinned, lifting her gun.

They weren't sure how much they could do. Instinctively, they knew that those two boys went into a different league of power. Turning into dragons was enough of an indicator.

But regardless of that, they knew that they had to put their lives on the line for Kamijou Touma. There was no hesitation here.

A lot happened in their life in the period of time in which they began to live together. They fought, they laughed, they cried, they joked, they formed bonds, they experienced crisis and battles, ups and downs. But now they didn't have a gram of regret about choices made.

Fate or coincidence, whatever ruled this world, got them stuck together.

They became a family.

Stronger, better, and happier thanks to one another.

They were not going to leave each other and any one of them, to face the danger alone.

This was now the way of this patchworked, sworn family.

"It appears the battle between two of them shall be intense. Even after combat with two of such powerful espers, the stamina and force of one designated 'Kamijou No Touma' are only slightly diminished. Though I do not know the extent of the wounds or speed of his recovery... "

All sisters nearly jumped out off their skins when Kihara Enshuu commented on the situation.

"Enshuu-san? Wha... Where did you come from? Where have you been?"

"Preparing. I need to have a weapon when there will be a time to properly engage" the small Kihara replied" And now, I shall observe and assess."

"Prepare for what?"

"It's quite simple, pea-brain..."

"N-No, Amazora, stop, despite everything, we can't stop shooting each other before the fight actually begins. And she is on our side... I think..."

"... the whole point of my interest is the analysis of the thought pattern that boost my Kihara-ness factor. Kamijou Touma on his own is an interesting addition. But I need to determine who of them would be better suited for me. And when I determine it..."

She pulled out something that resembled small gun, glowing and blinking in few parts.

"... I will dispose of the unneeded onii-chan"

"..."

"After reconsideration, you can keep one bullet in reserve... just in case..."

"Seems like it's starting"

Kamijou Touma slowly took off his shirt. It would get destroyed anyway, and would restrain what he wanted to do anyway.

He closed his eyes.

"You don't think I will just let you change and watch like some-"

A barrage of bullets from Amazora kept Kamijou No Touma in place before he could attack. They didn't seem to really harm him, but managed to keep him from advancing.

Crimson lines spread across his arms like vines, bursting into flames. The blue arm itself slowly changed into bright crimson flame, as the lines spread over the body. The flames burst over the boy's skin and silhouette, his hair standing up and moving in synch with flickering tongues of fire. When his body moved, the body seemed to shimmer, with bones becoming apparent.

"One..."

The flames got darker. The core of the arm also became progressively shadow-like, until the lines of crimson mixed with ones of darkness. Now, it looked as if darkness itself was burning over him, black flame over skin marked with lines of crimson. The shadows lengthened as if drawn to the darkness emanating from the boy.

"Two..."

Emerald mist swirled around his form, before wrapping itself around his arms and resting on his neck, akin to glowing hagoromo, glittering like stars against the darker skin, black flames, and crimson markings.

With the glowing marks finishing their formation on his face, Touma opened his eyes

They were red, except the slit black pupil encircled by ring of glowing emerald iris.

"Three..."

Kamijou No Touma showed his teeth. His human form cracked as more and more veins of pink and green appeared, with his hands extending into dragon-like claws and pupils also turning into serpentine slits.

"Interesting. So damn interesting. You combined those lizards' abilities while remaining in your human form. Maybe you might be worth a moment of my time. Though I imagine such a form requires a lot from you."

'Human, our foe is not mistaken. You've only recently learned our powers on their own. Their usage in conjunction might put you in grave risk, if handled incorrectly"

'Don't you think I know that. Three at one time is the most I can pull off. But it's just the same as it always is. No matter what...'

He clenched his fist.

'... I will save everyone in front of me and claim the future filled with smiles. Even if it's irrational and selfish, even if I end up coughing blood and crying bitter tears, my determination is set on winning and protecting everyone that matters to me... no matter what it takes'

"Girls, be careful. Stay in the earshot, but don't get too close. Things may get heated up here" Touma said, readying himself in the battle stance.

"SHOW IT TO ME THEN! Show me something that can overcome me!" Kamijou No Touma shouted, spreading his arms.

Two boys pounced at each other, and with their fists crashing into one another, the true battle commenced.

(TO BE CONTINUED)

So... things are definitely heating up. Whether this will be the clash to resolve it all, or merely a stage in the greater war, it is clear that our heroes (and KNT) are going at it in a big style, while we still have some plotlines in the backstage, counting those involving the battles going on.

Some things to say here, not particularly in correct order.

We have Kamijou No Touma himself. People pointed out to me that they enjoy the portrayal of cunning yet viscious, sort of 'dark gentleman' iteration of his character. This comparison is fairly accurate because, as I once mentioned, the dynamic between Touma and KNT is partially influenced by Doctor Jekyll and . I agree, I also find this dynamic rather fascinating to write. In this chapter, we see also another theme of Kamijou No Touma's portrayal. A small glimpse of his motivations in seeking objective truth to fuel his moral code, but instead, not finding his answer and turning into his instinctual desires, among them desire for justice and being with those he loves, with no regard to any other thing. He is such an amazing character to right, because it's rare that someone operates on such refined intellect to get such primal and instinctual desires. I want to showcase that in a twisted way, KNT is broken mentally, and that brokenness makes him all the more multidimensional. Wish me luck in succeeding in that endeavour.

Dragon Shell is back, as well as few other dragon related details. As for Touma's new form, some influences were concepts for his look were japanese spirits tennin, as well as fire transformation of Fire Axis from Fog Hill of Five Elements (it's an amazingly animated chinese donghua). I thought about concept of Kamijou refining, utilizing, and combining his dragon powers while retaining some of his humanity for some time. I think it seems visually attractive (in my mind at least) and quite tempting to test out. So I did. I think it may really shine in the future chapter. With Touma having 7 draconic abilities that he trained, and being limited to simultaneous usage of 3, there should be 14 forms he could have.

I always found concept negation fascinating. Here, KNT possesses this ability, and as the true nature of objective blueprint of reality which bases itself on the uniform, timeless, and spaceless unity, he can negate selected fractions of cause-effect relation, as well as space/distance, and passage of time. While powerful, this ability has a weakness. Maidono and Hasako noticed it, trying to exploit it. Did you?

The wound inflicted by KNT refers of course, to the wound inflicted by Fukiyose to Touma in the World Alpha. There is a whole lot of symbolism here, although a lot of it is left rather ambiguous for you.

I am not action expert, I excel more in introspection and interaction, but I still think this battle will be very interesting to write and witness in my mind (and of course conveyed to paper). I am sure our sisters will also give their all to support Touma. Did you like Maidono and Hasako combo? There is honestly so much this pair can do together if they use their abilities as a duo, as Maidono's attacks are very dependents on her environment, which is of course, something that Hasako can influence.

I also heard that some considered making artwork of some characters, especially Maidono and Hasako. I can only applaud, since I think many underused characters deserve art (for example, Hasako is super beautiful, I am sure she would look really nice in any art she is in) and since, well, I can't draw well, I am happy that someone might be interested in the future.

Speaking of Hasako, I found something mesmerizing in imagining her as a swing lover. Sometimes it might be easy to forget, but her childhood was presumably in early 1930s, the golden era of jazz and swing. It's endearing to me that she has that old part of herself and heart while still being adorable and young in other regards.

So, in the future chapters, there will be at least 3 plotlines. We have of course the showdown, Touma vs KNT, but there is also question about Kanzaki, Uiharu being in potential danger, as well as Nephthys and Othinus whereabouts and agenda.

On more of a side note, one of the most unexpectedly versatile and comedic characters is Ladylee. Through her, I can explore heavy or serious themes, but also have great comedic moments, like the crepe motif of this episode.

Also, Mei from Shokuhou Clique might have developed a fetish after being forcibly stopped by Touma... heh, Kami-yan disease comes in many forms and ways... I wouldn't be surprised if Touma unknowingly got almost entire clique lusting over him when he was saving them in the background, in some untold stories. But... well, in the canon, that sucks for Misaki...

Anyway, like I said, this might be middle-length chapter, but I think it was rich in content. I hope it was to your liking and I hope to see you guys again relatively soon. Please take care, you are awesome!