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!

43. Chapter 43

PAINTED PRISON CHRONICLES

CHAPTER 43

MYSTERY, HARBINGER OF DESTRUCTION

2ND ANNIVERSARY OF STORY CONCEPTION

Hello everyone! That took a looong time... a month that was very busy and very challenging for me, yet in the end, here we are. Things are starting to get complex, as we dive into a mystery surrounding this new arc. There is a lot, lot to deal with in this fragment of the story. I hope your wait will be rewarded with (in my personal opinion) interesting interactions and new adventure that can define the future Kamijou is fighting so hard for. Many important questions will be asked, some of the stories will be shared, and some big moments are definitely upon us. With some surprises along the way, both in terms of characters and events.

As I said, last month was packed. But as my holidays are slowly starting, I should definitely be able to get next chapter faster. I also have definite outline of next two chapters ready, so it should speed things up. Thank you for your patience, as always, you are amazing.

But, right now, I would like to say few words about the story as a whole because, aside from the anniversary of publication, I also celebrate the anniversary of this story's conception. By the end of May, there passed 2nd year since I first started drafting the story and concepts, specifically first five chapters. So, I think few words are due, bear with me.

This story is a beautiful and important experiment for me, and great adventure too. I was a reader on Fanfiction for a long time, but it took a long time to actually write. Since May 2022, this story grew so much that I could never expect it back then. Originally, it was just supposed to be a story of Gokusai sisters, who I loved in Biohacker and with NT anime far away from reach, I was deeply saddned that we may not see them again. But then, I combined the original premise with the concept of giving screentime to characters who did not see the spotlight much or at all, to expand as much as I can on what is known, to make it enjoyable for the readers. I wanted to take great care, and see if I can use my philosophical and psychological knowledge to write deep characters, while staying more or less in the canon. I wanted to be canon-faithful, and re-read the series a LOT. Yet, I did my best to ensure that there are multiple fields of knowledge (you can sometimes see philosophy implemented in character of Touma or Magic Godesses, or psychology in characters of Kaibi or Mugino).

Overall, I am very glad with how this journey is going. I am having fun, and I am so happy Gokusai family gets moments in both quantity and (hopefully) quality they deserve, in addition to having so many characters have at least their moments, a little bit more than what was originally given. Characters of Hasako and Maidono, and actual shift in people's perspective about them, for which my story was actually sometimes credited, was something that makes me warm on the inside each time I think about. I sincerely thank everyone supportive on my takes on those and other characters.

Of course, it is not perfect. I am still learning many things. After all, it is my first story here, and definitely first one of such length and magnitude. But thanks to You, I will make it even better. Writing a story is also about communication with the readers. It's why I encourage you to make your opinions. You may inspire me, I may disagree with you, I may love it, I may realize something I didn't realize before. No matter the reaction, those interactions make the difference.

For the last part of this special anniversary segment, as the characters make the story as much as the plot, let say few words about selected few from the cast and plans I had for them in the concept of this story:

CHARACTER THOUGHTS PART 1

Touma - As some noticed, and I pointed out myself, I wanted to write Touma with focus on his empathy and understanding, putting his brawling quality in second place, reversing the order seen in some stories. I wanted to have concepts of solitude, selflessness, yearning for peaceful future, and unyielding will as cornerstones as my rendition of his character, as well as familial touch in a bond he mainly shares with Gokusai sisters, Index and Othinus. There are also lot of things going on for Touma in the future chapters and his pursuit of the future is one long overarching journey, starting from his solitary childhood to gaining the biggest, loving family in the world.

Gokusai sisters - I absolutely love this trio, this did not change at all during those years. They are absolutely fantastic from a point of view of a writer, because they all bring just enough comedy with their antics, tragedy with their traumas and backstory, badassery with their abilities, and wholesomeness in their regular life. I wanted each of them to have a different relationship with Touma, and have qualities that seemed both obvious and completely unexpected. And so, Amazora is a comic relief and very reckless, but she is also inwardly broken from her strange upbringing and years for acceptance. She has a very intuitive bond with Touma, where they can synch with one another and find comfort just being close to each other, sometimes not needing words or any convoluted emotions. Then we have Kaibi, who is initially hostile, but goes through entire series of internal struggles, and actually becomes extremely caring, but can't express it because she fears who she actually is due to not being given any identity during childhood and then had to take false ones to manipulate others. Touma has a very emotional and feelings-based bond with her. Finally, Rikuri, who is outwardly all about beauty and glamour, but is actually sensitive and overwhelmed far more than she cares to show, being unsure and romantic at heart, and wanting nothing more than having her younger sisters be happy. She and Touma have possibly the most mature, intimate relation, but it is still deeply rooted in emotionality.

Maidono - She was initially an addition just for Amazora to have a tutor, but as I re-read her moment in GT, I thought many of her quirks and her tender moment with Touma in hospital could be expanded upon to make her more approachable and explicable in terms of her behaviour. And so, Maidono became the first character to follow the 'expansion of the underused' formula. Plus, I absolutely fell in love with both her ability and what her personality could be. It only reached new heights once I paired her with Hasako, who served both as her foil and opposition in regards to Touma. Over time, I think she grew more endearing and life-like. She still struggles a lot with her emotions and morality, but also learns new things, while being cool at the same time.

Hasako - And speaking of falling in love, Hasako had her concept worked on for super long, I wanted her to appear for almost the same reason as Maidono and Gokusai sisters. I looked at the fics and thought 'that's it, time to do her justice'. I wanted to have a girl that would be nice to Touma, and I thought that it would go well with the fact that Hasako is lady from a by-gone era. Because, let's be honest, those two would still face great deal of bad luck from Touma's other misfortunes. It also had this nice, poetic vibe of searching your true love through time, that I absolutely adored. As with Maidono, I adore Beginning Child's ability. It's so dangerous and so beautiful at the same time, there is so much to be done with it. I wanted to give Hasako enough time to be memorable and for people to want Beginning Child's cannonical return as much as I did, and I think I can safely say that it was a success.

(CHARACTER THOUGHTS will be continued in the foreword of the next chapter)

To not make this already very long chapter any longer, let's move to the Q&A right now:

Hoodred511: He has, doesn't he? I always had a feeling Sphynx was a super badass and had a lot of patience putting up with everything, there had to be some backstory behind it.

Dredgon: With a household like Touma's, what else could be expected?

Elementalgaming30: He absolutely deserved one

5had0wHand: I always thought that Index and Touma were Sphynx's parental figures. He was adopted by them at such a young age that it was just bound to happen. Thanks, I wanted to make Sphynx's fight almost as epic sounding as his owners. And like Father, like Son (so cute!). Honestly, almost all quasi-level 5 girls could have interesting interactions. I am happy that I am able to provide some of them (and ones with Ladylee too). Surviviour of the Demon Star is one of my favourite original names that came from this story tbh, I love the sound of it.

Average Stuffy: Yeah, I knew they would be his parental figures. And ironically, I think with how much Sphynx watches and is around his family, he would be the one to best summarize why they are happy together.

KHVSFF: Sphynx deserved in-depth perspective for a long, looong time, in any fanfic really. We don't know much about him, but he is very brave and resilient considering the things that go on around him. I just had to do him justice. And when it comes to the characters, I think I have few surprises in store for all of you. Take care as well.

Kuroshiragami0: Well, here you have it. It's long as hell, but I think it went well. Please enjoy!

FingFangFoom100: I am very glad you liked it, I felt really nice writing this chapter, because Sphynx deserved it so much, to be given a voice and perspective. As I said above, I love his nickname, it came to me while researching constellations and I knew with his motif of a 'survivour' I had to use it. And Noukan will still remain relevant in this chapter, I hope you'll like his interaction.

Lannart: To be honest, yes, it is, although in a very specific form. But the end result is harem.

Dancouga: Thank you about your comments about Saronia, it got me a lot to think about. Also, I forgot about Lindy Blueshake. Maybe I will do research about her in the future.

Superboy813: Well, the Bologna-Misaki theory got to me in the spur of inspiration that I found impossible to ignore, even if I was aware of the risk connected to it. It was before Transcendents were revealed to be merely actors, so later it got... complicated. But anyway, as a rule, I try to stick to the canon. But there are fan theories that inspire me from a writing point of view (I think there could be so much drama and twists of action, not to mention expansion in worldbuilding, if there was such a connection before the actor of Bologna Succubus we know and Misaki). Well, I am not stubborn enough to fight to death about it, even if I like it as just a crack theory. I know it's flawed, but I still like that I gave alternative history for those who find it intriguing.

As for "doesn't exist until proven" and "exist until disproven", you are right, it is a bit simplified. I said it as I am both a writer and aspiring scientist, and those two perspectives seem to be at odds with my mind. I wrote as a bit of a jab at some of people in scientific community, that have to do "everything by the data" and are not open enough to consider the possibility that something can be out there, even if it seems ridiculous. I think writing is more open in that regard.

ASM769476: Here you go, please have a good read!

Without further delay, let's begin!

(EVENING BEFORE THE NIGHT IN WHICH THE BODY WAS DISCOVERED)

"How are you doing recently?"with a smile, Misaka Mikoto asked a person she unexpectedly met on the street.

The girl wore black skirt, white shirt, and black tie. Her most defining feature were her facial features, split between light and dark carnation, golden eyes, and hair in two colours, with streaks of black and white, matching her outfit.

Her name was Kuriba Ryouko, an acclaimed cyborg technology researcher, and inventor of Indian Poker. Some time ago, she was involved in the project involving putting a soul into artificial body, a doppelganger. Misaka Mikoto helped her resolve the problematic situation that stemmed from said project and two of them were in loose contact and in friendly relations ever since.

"What are you working on now?"

"More intelligent prosthetics. But I was thinking about trying to replicate conscious thought into a cybernetic brain... hard problem of consciousness is so intriguing, really"

"Well, if you ever need a touch of electromagnetism in your work, let me know. Besides, I really want to help ones with dystrophy. It was my dream since I was smaller. Even if it was... misused, I still have hope for it- Ryouko-san?"

Her friend suddenly disappeared. Mikoto spun around, in confusion.

"What? Ryouko-san? Where are you?"

Sound from behind her altered her to someone else's presence.

There was a masked and cloaked figure behind her.

Mikoto slowly turned around to fully face her.

"Who are you?" she asked" Where is Ryouko-san? Did you do something to her?"

The masked person was silent.

Few sparks flew out of Mikoto's body as she slammed her fists together.

"Not much of a talker? Well, I am pretty good in getting others to talk. I assume you don't have friendly intentions?"

The masked person took out something that looked like a kneading tool or a piece of thick wire. With other hand, she pointed at Mikoto, then at herself, and then behind her.

Mikoto raised her eyebrow.

"You want me to go with you? Just like this? I think you got it wrong. I really don't like playing this card, but I am Misaka Mikoto, Railgun, #3 level 5. I am not someone you want to fight"

The person assumed a fighting stance, with her weapon at the ready.

"Then again, I am not going to deny a fight to someone who clearly wants it." Mikoto spread her hands in defeat" Just know that I warned you. It's not my fault if you end up scorched. Also, what is this? You know I am a living electromagnet, right? I can make this weapon leap out of your hand in one... two..."

The weapon was thrown. Mikoto spread her hands, electricity cracking between her fingers.

"I told you there is no..."

The weapon zoomed forward without stopping after being launched.

Mikoto reacted too slowly, not expecting something like this, and the object pierced her thigh.

"AAAAAAAH?!"

She stumbled in pain, losing her balance.

"It wasn't metal?"

After reaching for her leg, she noticed that the long weapon had many facets and structure different from usual metallic object.

It was made out of sharpened crystal, which could not be magnetized.

But that was the last thing she thought about in that moment.

The throwing weapon, that Mikoto felt so sure about deflecting, was a distraction.

She was fairly sure that her assailant was the only person present, and was right in front of her.

But only a moment later, something struck her hard on the back of the head.

She tried to resist it, but her consciousness dimmed down.

By the wall of the alley, Kuriba Ryouko focused her eyes to notice a person lifting unconscious Mikoto up.

And in that moment, she got a glimpse of the side of her head, as the wind blew back the hood.

It was someone Kuriba recognized instantly.

"What... are you doing?" she asked quietly.

But the attacker already taken Misaka Mikoto away, leaving Kuriba with a headache and tons of questions in her mind.

(BACK IN THE PRESENT)

"WHAT?!"

Hamazura Shiage momentarily lost his hearing when Mugino Shizuri shouted at him.

He was almost out, almost behind the door, when Meltdowner, in fancy nightgown she liked to walk in even besides time of sleep, passed by and spotted him.

Why was she up at such late hour, Hamazura did not know. And he lost the chance to ask, given how agitated Mugino was now.

He got a message from Touma, urging him to contact him. Apparently, something strange happened in one of the alleys and he could be useful if there was any connection to remnants of Skill-Out involved.

Touma also said that he understood if Hamazura couldn't go. After all, he had a peaceful life he wanted to protect as well. Touma knew the best how easily something like this could be ruined, the balance upset and the tranquility thrown into the chaos.

"Something happened and Touma wanted you to come instead of me?!"

"I-I don't think that's what it is... I think he actually said that you could come..."

"Then why didn't you tell me as soon as you got the bloody message?!"

"I wanted to get a hold on the situation and then ask you to come"

"Why?!"

"Because... emm..."

Because Mugino could be rather rash and impulsive in action that could require delicacy?

Hamazura wasn't worried about her. She was incredibly powerful esper after all. In most instances, he would be much more worried about her enemies. There was a lot of past evidence for that.

However, in the present day, he was much more hesitant in just letting Mugino charge into action without caution. Meltdowner was not used to the prospect of needing to hold back. In worst case, she would get mad at anyone who would dare suggest that maybe she needed to lay back a little.

Hamazura Shiage learned about magic and saw it in action.

It still baffled him and in some ways he could not seriously wrap his head around it.

But he knew that out there, in this vast, strange world they lived in, there were people who could do stuff he thought was restricted to some fairy tales or legend. People who could change reality by just thinking about it. People, who could very realistically destroy the world with their presence and threat such presence posed.

To be honest, this shift in perspective made him shiver at times. He almost missed the times where he was in Skill-Out, thinking that level 5s were the mightiest opponent ever, the greatest threat ever to be faced.

He knew Accelerator well enough to know that those thoughts were still holding strong, even with strongest level 5 not actively fighting on the frontlines anymore, but still...

Was Touma also sharing some of those thoughts?

Hamazura valued his health too much to try and say this to Mugino.

Instead, he relented.

"I just wanted to see what this is all about and call you."

"You don't need to worry. Not about Takitsubo, Kinuhata, Fremea, and especially about me."

"But-"

"I AM..." Mugino growled with clenched fists, before taking a deep breath and letting it out.

"... calm" she finished, in overly serene and sweet voice" Now, tell me all you know about problem Touma is facing. Now!"

(MEANWHILE)

Upon exiting the dorm, Touma was met with familiar faces that he wasn't expecting to see.

All of the Scavengers were gathered outside, alongside Gokusai sisters and Hanatsuyu twins

"What are you doing here?"

"Come on, we live next door. Do you think we really wouldn't notice all the shouting and fuss you made?" Rita scratched her head" I don't really get it, but those two won't stop pestering me about going with you..."

"Pssh... I wouldn't go so far as to say we are pushing for it that hard..." Naru waved her hand, but could not make direct eye contact.

"But do consider including us in whatever it is you have going on. We could be of use" Yakumaru batted her eyes at Touma, who sighed.

"Two years ago there would be no one who would do anything with me. Now it's like a whole mobile unit."

"Well, I for one thing wanted to stay inside" Seike sighed" TV got some good things airing"

"I appreciate the offer guys" Touma replied" But isn't there too many of us now?"

"Look, I am afraid those two are going to go regardless of what myself or you will tell them" Iizumi pointed at Yakumaru and Naru with a sigh.

"And we all know why they are so eager to-OWW!" Seike was cut off after both Yakumaru and Naru pulled at his hair, silencing his snarky remark.

"Look, truth be told, I also want to do this for you" Izumi said, exhaling and then mumbling" For making an effort to got me reunited with that naïve, smoking, beer-loving mess I have to call an aunt"

She was, of course, referring to something that ended only hour or so earlier.

The long awaited dinner of Scavengers, Touma, and Tsukuyomi Komoe. Who was, as it turned out in a sudden turn of events, turned out to be Iizumi Rita, aka Leader's, biological aunt, as well as root of her disdain and hatred for everything teacher-related. It wasn't really such a surprise after seeing how the Scavenger Leader and Touma's homeroom teacher looked and acted, even down to facial expressions, much to Rita's disdain.

Ever since learning about that tarnished bond, Touma took it upon himself. It was very difficult. He didn't expect how much Rita was stubbornly clinging to the past or how much Komoe was resigned, feeling guilty about how she was so focused on her own problems in regards to fitting in the city that she neglected the needs of her niece, even if it was temporary and accidental.

But guess what? Kamijou Touma was also incredibly persistent. He wouldn't go through billions of phases that inflicted death upon him if he wasn't.

So after much discussion, some things (both material and verbal) being thrown at him, a huge chunk of time consoling his teacher, finally, he got them to meet for a dinner.

To not make things completely awkward, he got another Scavengers to join them.

The sisters, with remarkable understanding for Touma's need for privacy and secret of sharing the dorm with five female inhabitants, stayed in their room, occupying themselves with their own activities.

That could not be said for Index, but Touma knew that when it came to food, he could not reason with the silver haired nun.

Komoe arrived first. She was all fidgety and nervous as she sat down by the table.

Come to think of it, Touma expected her to be much more inquisitive about their dorm. He informed her about it when he moved, and she accepted the news since his own dorm was technically, and officially, still in the state of 'renewal', even if this renewal in itself took suspiciously long period of time.

But Komoe paid no mind. She was probably too preoccupied with the tense reunion to actually take notice.

All in all, the dinner was... not what Kamijou hoped for, but at the same time, much better than he feared.

Komoe voiced many concerns and questions in regard to Rita. She mainly asked questions about Rita's life. And for the longest time, Scavenger Leader ignored her. The silence was broken only on Naru throwing commentary about food, and Yakumaru giving him... glances, that was the best way to describe it. There was some mixture of emotions that he couldn't really untangle. Oh, and of course there was Index, devouring mountains of food as a background noise.

But, surprisingly, by the end, Rita, in a grumpy yet unrestrained manner, began to slowly answer, to Komoe's delight. In fact, the small teacher was nearly crying by the time Touma sent her on her way and said his goodbyes.

"Well, you were persistent as hell. And maybe, just maybe... I will give her a chance to meet with me again. I make no promises, but your determination alone is something I must thank you for" Rita admitted" I take back my earlier words about you being just one of the teacher's pets, not concerned with the darkness. So, we are going to help you"

"Thanks" Touma smiled at the Scavengers, before frowning" Still, I think that having too many people in one place will draw attention"

"Especially when we look for someone dangerous who possibly killed someone." Noukan remarked in a low voice" It is possibly that the need of discretion will be high"

"Killed?" Seike perked up at that" Well, this might just get more interesting"

"That's rather morbid thing to get excited about..." Index muttered, making a sign of cross" May God give a poor soul the eternal rest..."

"But I do concur, that it feels in some thrilling mystery novel" Rikuri clapped her hands" While it is true someone parted with their life, it is rather intriguing that there is some mystery to unravel"

"I would rather get on with it though" Kaai yawned and rubbed her eyes" It's bad enough I had to discard a session with my maggot mask"

Everyone, except Youen, shuddered a little, even Noukan and the cats.

"Touma, we are ready to move now. If they will follow us anyway, let's take them and then discuss what to do once we will get to the place" Kaibi suggested.

Touma was about to answer, when his phone rang.

Upon seeing who it was, Touma flinched, but he knew avoiding it would only make it worse.

In truth, he had no legitimate reason for not doing it, maybe besides a slight concern that there would not be a shred of discretion when she got involved.

"Yes?" he asked picking up.

He immediately recoiled from the onslaught of shouting from the other side.

"Hey, Shizuri... so Hamazura told you..."

More shouting noises, much more vocal and vibrant.

"Wait... hold on a little, you are shouting so loud that I can't get what you are actually shouting, that's saying something... yes... yes... no, why would I... come on, it's not like that... of course I would... oh come on, keeping others safe is not bullshit at all... Where? But we were just..."

The group around him watched as he struggled to endure Mugino Shizuri's irritation.

Finally, he hung up and sighed.

"Slight detour. A very moody level 5 wants to discuss what to do at her place. And it would be even more stupid to ignore that. So ITEM is in too, it seems"

"Oh joy~" Kaibi and Rita said at the same time" What a wonderful news"

"So let's get moving already. If she wants to drag us there, let's get her hospitality and have something out of it"

"Nya!" Sphynx agreed with Naru

"Alright. Let's go to their apartment"

(LATER)

Touma was slightly worried that with the arrival of nearly dozen people, the ITEM's living quarters would be completely cramped. And while it certainly filled up a little, it was still more than enough room for everyone. Once again, the financial difference, which made affording such a spacious place possible, was staggering, even if Gokusai sisters were very rich in their own right.

"Since Mugino dragged you all here, please have some snacks" Hamazura said, even though he knew that their pantry would be severely depleted" Please, help yourself to whatever you need"

As he and Takitsubo put the food and beverages, two small heads poked out of one of the bedrooms.

Fremea Seivelun rubbed her eyes sleepily, before noticing sudden crowed in the apartment.

"Wow! We have guests! And it's still nighttime, so I can technically say I am staying up like a grown-up! So cool. Go with me to say hi to everyone!"

Fraulein Kreutene, staying the night, nodded, while being dragged by Fremea, although there was no telling if it was of genuine approval or did the bizarre immortal spaced out, like she often did, engrossing herself in her very unique thoughts.

Mugino uncrossed her arms, looking at Touma and nodding.

"I think I get it. You really think this is some convoluted mess? What if someone just got really mad and offed the guy?"

"Who would just go for the kill when someone pissed them off..." he trailed off, remembering who he was talking to" Ooooooh..."

"Yeah..." Mugino said slowly, shifting somewhat uncomfortably on her chair" But to be honest, in this City, you have to have a good deal of power to just off someone without hesitation. I am one story, but it is not something that happens with most of the people around here. So maybe it was something more complicated."

"There really is someone killed? We are going to be looking into that?" Kinuhata asked from above Mugino's shoulder.

"Yeah, it seems so..." Touma slowly answered, not getting why Kinuhata appeared so excited about the prospect.

Mugino gave him a 'you will see' look, before speaking out.

"Since it's almost daytime already, let's have an early breakfast and head out."

"I asked a reliable party for a favour. The crime scene is being watched over and isolated, so it should still be alright when we get there." Touma said, motioning to everyone" Let's have a short breakfast and then head out"

So, everyone sat down and ate a quick breakfast, with Noukan, Sphynx, and Later getting bowls by the side of the table.

The breakfast, while fast, wasn't without moments that stuck out. It was bound to happen with many people from different groups.

"So... why are you here?" Mugino eyed Rita with amusement" That's not place for children to play"

Rita knew better than to provoke a level 5. Scavengers weren't really lucky with involving themselves with highest level of power in the past. Still, she spat out.

"We are both former darksiders. When the hell will you stop with those insults?"

"Those are not insults." Mugino glued a smile to her face" Insults are deliberately mean-spirited. I am just stating facts. The fact that they sent children to a battlefield to 'clean up' is ridiculous"

"We are all teenagers here at the end of the day, even you!"

"Do they know each other?" Touma asked Naru, who shrugged.

"Most people on the Dark Side crossed paths in some form or way. As for them, Meltdowner always teases and taunts Leader, quite viciously at that. Naturally, comebacks are equally venomous."

"It started because one time, both of our teams got assigned the same mission." Seike added" Leader completed it, but Meltdowner said it was just because her team got rid of the obstacles first and that we stole the fruits of their labour"

"You kind of did though" Kinuhata pointed out" You super snuck in and acquired the data we came for, using the commotion we created"

"Hey, luck is also a skill. And while working in the darkness, everything that gets the job done and keeps you alive just goes."

"Wait, so this quarrel... is just because of one time thing?" Touma asked, looking at Mugino and Rita, who tried her hardest to look Meltdowner in the eyes without visibly straining to stand on her toes.

"Well, sort of. After that, there was one thing after the other, until no one knew what they are actually bickering about"

Meanwhile, Youen and Kaai munched happily on the food.

"So... Decomposer and Carrier..." Hamazura asked unsurely" What you've been up to since Handcuffs? I still remember hearing about the mess you made back then"

"Oh, that was such a fine massacre" Kaai nodded, as if getting pleasantly nostalgic" Swift, efficient, and filthy, just the way I love it. If you are interested, well, we've been put in jail. Well, Youen was, since there is almost nothing that can truly contain me now. Then, we took our chance in bailing and lived in the sewers for a while, before he found us along with Meltdowner"

She pointed at Touma.

"We wounded up living close to him because this way, we can remain free while being ourselves, to a degree"

"It was harder for Kaai, since she tends to get more... enthusiastic, with our hobbies" Youen commented

"But ever since I have a chance to work in purification system, I have all the stimulation I can get" Kaai blushed, licking her lips. She then looked back at Youen" But I suppose the real reason is that Youen is getting pretty mushy for someone and wants to stay close-"

With a blush of her own, Youen shoved a cookie into Kaai's mouth. She then handed one to Hamazura.

"Care to try? This is from our own rations we packed while going out to inspect the body. It's only natural, since you are being so hospitable, that we will return the favour"

Hamazura looked at the cookie, before shrugging

"Hamazura, that's not really a good-" Touma, noticing what was happening, called out, but not before Hamazura bit and chewed on the cookie. He swallowed and then took another.

"Wow, interesting. Sweet but also... more crunchy than one usually eats. What did you-"

"Grasshoppers" Youen filled in cheerfully.

Hamazura got as green as the insects the cookies contained. He quickly got up and bolted out of the room.

"How rude. Insects are perfect source of protein for growing boys. I guess some men just can't appreciate me, while others do retain some manners"

She looked at Touma with a flicker of affection

He swallowed hard.

He ate chocolates Youen made to not hurt her feelings, but the ingredients caused him to have nightmares for quite a few nights.

"If I can super ask..." Kinuhata asked, pondering on what to say, before motioning at the chests of the twins and making a gesture indicating small height" How?"

"Oh, this?" Kaai demonstratively put hands on her chest" You feed and smear yourself with a certain set of chemicals, making the lipid content of your body increase in those particular parts. Then, you slice it off. Like shaving, only with a bit... more substantial peeling off"

Kinuhata nodded.

"Super informative" she said slowly" Creepy. You should totally show me one day. I know people who would be super interested. Which is not me. Not at all"

"Our methods are not cheap"

"I will... they will surely pay you"

In the meantime, Rikuri was chatting with Enka and Kaira.

"So, you have to tell me, what is the story behind two of you actually being together"

"Well, she just kind of... claimed me?" Enka said raising hands in 'I don't know' gesture

His black haired girlfriend elbowed him hard.

"After battle with Kyozetsu, I was left wounded and caught in a debris. He saved me and nursed me back to help. No one ever cared for me like that."

"Come on..." Enka waved his hand" I am a literal stinking nobody. I seriously did what anyone would do. Also, that was absolute least... and only thing someone like me could actually do"

"That's not true!" Kaira protested" I am strong, but I was at my most vulnerable and you cared enough to take me in. That was... really cool of you. So I don't care what you or anyone says about you being lame or something like that. Only I can tease you about things. And by the way..."

She looked at Rikuri.

"What is relationship between you and my boyfriend?"

"Oh, well..." Rikuri stumbled on her words slightly.

"We were dating... ow!"

"Why do you sound proud of that?" Kaira kicked Enka's leg with a huff.

"I wouldn't say dating, as in a continuous process" Rikuri countered" We've been on one date"

"Two dates" Enka pointed out.

"One and half, because I only showed up second time to tell you that it's not how I am imagining things to go. But regardless, I am so happy for you! I knew you were a nice guy, and you deserved to be with a nice lady. Although weren't you..."

She trailed off and looked at Kaira.

"When you attacked me and Hokaze-san... I kind of had the impression that you were... well..."

"Infatuated with her? Yes, I was" the sapphire eyes of the ojou-sama twinkled as she reminisced" I wanted for her to see me as a rival, but in truth, I suppose I wanted to ask her out. For some time, she was too innocent to notice my advances. Although when we fought, I realized that she wasn't going to be happy with me... and then Enka rescued me... in truth, ever since I entered Tokiwadai, I didn't love any boy. All of them scurried away for some reason when I tried earlier, so my heart naturally focused on the girls for some years"

"I can't imagine why" Kaibi said to herself, low enough to not be heard.

A rich, sophisticated girl who was intensely possessive and dominating, together with a straightforward guy who was so tired of being ridiculed and pushed around due to his ability that he developed bitter, yet mellow personality.

"It was absolutely ridiculous that this is working out" she whispered to herself.

"Well, are you planning to see the world one day?" Rikuri chattered on. She glanced at Touma with a sweet look on her face" I am trying to convince Touma to take me to Poison Garden in Alncwick, England. Since he has friends in England, we can go there to have some... fun. And can you imagine? Hundreds of plants in one garden, all of which can kill you! Being there with someone I love, I can't imagine anything more beautiful"

Enka and Kaira laughed nervously, as Rikuri indulged in a fantasy involving herself and Touma. Kaibi stopped listening in, focusing on her drink.

"I wouldn't say that those two have the most complicated relationship issues in the room, albeit tinge of romance in their story is clearly endearing"

Despite Kaibi's low volume, Noukan's keen ears registered her earlier comment.

The old labrador sat down by Kaibi's chair, lifting his head to look at her.

"You are... a Kihara, right?" Kaibi asked, taking a good look" I heard stories about a dog being a part of Kihara family, but I didn't fully know their credibility. Even for the standards of this city, this is rather..."

"Unusual?" Noukan flashed his teeth in a smile, before growling lowly" Oh, I would kill for a cigar"

"I doubt our hosts would appreciate that"

"I guess they wouldn't. And you are Gokusai Kaibi, the enchanting Girl in The Dress. Both in older times and recent days, your elegance and charm precede you"

Kaibi smiled and bowed lightly

"I appreciate the flattery" she joked" But my heart is already taken"

"So I've noticed" Noukan nodded, looking over the table at Touma" Imagine Breaker... such a remarkable presence this boy has, at such a young age"

"I learned that age often has remarkably little to do with how much someone actually experiences"

"Very true, Gokusai-san. Especially when it comes to those who face perils and troubles of life like he did. I did not mean that incredible power dwelling beyond his hand. I speak of his ability to form the connection between people and bring them together, while also finding strength to seek redemption for others. Look around us. ITEM, SCAVENGER, and... well, wait remains of SCHOOL... not to mention the criminals of Handcuffs, all together. It is absolutely unprecedented. He is not different from you in that regard"

"Me? How so?"

"This boy possesses many talents that parallel esper abilities, yet what he does comes from his... as unscientific as this notion may be... heart, of sorts. He can grasp those intangible connections and feelings within others, and pull them towards him. As I recall, this is one of the applications of your ability"

Kaibi thought about it for a moment.

Touma did do something similar to her usage of Measure Heart, with his words and determination alone.

It wasn't as sophisticated, neither it could be used in variety of ways as her ability could. But it was undeniable that Touma knew of human hearts like she did. That he too pulled on the abstract links of heart distance without even realizing it.

Her own heart sped up at that realization, the warmth spreading through her body as she found connection to someone she fell in love with.

However, she was snapped out of gazing lovingly across the table by Noukan's next comment.

"Ones who possess unwavering will are most difficult and complicated for even ones like the Kihara family to analyze. I am sure you must have some knowledge on the matter. Kamijou Touma is clearly an individual with will of salvation bordering on limits of what psychological theories could describe as rational. And the thing about borders is... you never know what lies beyond one breaking point. I dread to imagine what would his power and drive achieve should it somehow lose what makes it what it is today... and succumb to unstoppable conviction of great unpredictability... and even greater destruction"

Yes. Kaibi was well aware that people with high ideals, with great conviction, could be complicated.

They couldn't be easily swayed, as her ability indicated. The results could be disastrous. Because people who were bent on the ideal often had reasons to be such. And their breaking point could lead into the world Kaibi wouldn't exactly like to manifest itself.

Not only because she feared something like this for herself or her sisters. But also because right now, she wouldn't stand to see Touma going past such a point.

"You said that those two" she motioned towards Kaira and Enka, trying to change the subject" didn't have the most difficult romantic life?"

"It's just old dog barking unnecessary things, young lady."

"Well, I am ready to hear them"

Noukan sighed. His mechanical arm once again reached for a cigar, before stopping mid-motion.

He looked into Kaibi's gem-like eyes and spoke:

"Let's just say... that I am too human for other dogs to really get me, or for me to enjoy their company. And obviously, I am too much of a dog to experience true sense of romance with a human. Although, dear Yuitsu-chan would beg to differ... that's what I mean by complicated..."

Kaibi was stunned. She would never expect Noukan to feel so conflicted... and strained, in the field of romantic pursuit.

Noukan was silent for a few seconds, before noticing Kaibi's gaze.

"I can see your astonishment, child. You wouldn't suspect that a Kihara would speak of romance like I do, like?"

"Pretty much, yes" she admitted

"I am kind of a special case in that regard. When you live long, you learn affection comes in many forms" He cast a glance at Sphynx and Later, sitting side by side" But nonetheless, when it comes to my ragged self, my true love is objective, scientific knowledge like the rest of my kin. I adore fact and figures, even if they come from side of the world that appears to be out of reach for now"

He yawned and stretched, before resuming.

"It did not escape my attention that your reaction indicated that you had an encounter with member of my family. Presumably one that left an unfavourable impression"

Kaibi flinched slightly.

"Some time ago, we... SCHOOL, I mean... took in a girl named Yuzuriha Ringo. Her time with us was riddled with difficulties, one of which took her away from us. Kakine... he never truly recovered from it. It sent him into obsession, the mad drive to meet Aleister... we both know how that ended. Amongst those problems was a Kihara family member... Kihara Souji."

Noukan frowned.

"Young Souji-kun... innovative, efficient, and yet I wouldn't approve some of his methods. It is truly unfortunate, what befallen young Ringo-chan."

He suddenly looked at Kaibi with greater intensity.

"Did you... love her?"

Kaibi froze in shock.

"What? I..."

She paused, but Noukan was clearly waiting for the answer.

"I... I don't know. I think that until recently I actually had no true knowledge of what love for someone was. I doubt that I felt anything of this sort before... Touma came along. Even with my sisters, who I love more than anything, it's different. But I know that even if we were incapable of truly expressing proper love, Ringo was important for all people in SCHOOL. Kakine... wanted to protect her, perhaps more than he ever wanted to protect me. She was important. I would... love to see or hear her again, alive and well. I am sure that Kakine would too"

Noukan nodded and looked forward.

"It seems that Imagine Breaker opened your eyes at many things"

"I don't think I will ever stop being grateful for that, in all the ways that I can"

Kaibi smiled softly, responding in honesty and looking in direction of Touma...

Or the direction where Touma was supposed to be.

"What? He was just there... where did he go?"

(MEANWHILE)

All of those conversations ocurred in a rather short span of time, yet Kamijou Touma still escaped to the balcony as they ocurred around him.

He took few deep breaths, looking at the brightening sky, before he noticed that he wasn't alone.

Takitsubo Rikou was watching him with neutral face from his left side.

"Hey" she whispered" Is everything fine?"

"I wanted to clear my head. What about you?"

"When there is so much people... the sensation of the AIM fields..." She rubbed her arm through the tracksuit" It gets... annoying. And overstimulating"

"I see"

"This is just like you, Kamijou-san" she smiled softly" To worry about someone on the first instinct. But my question wasn't just a conversation starter"

"You don't have to be worried about me. I've been through worse"

"So something is wrong then"

She grasped the metal railing and let out the exhale of her own

"I am not very talkative or expressive. But I see and observe things very well. I wouldn't be able to survive long without it, especially with Mugino around"

They shared a short laugh, before the girl pressed on

"So... what is bothering you?"

Touma shook his head.

"You seriously don't have to do this"

Takitsubo raised an eyebrow

"I don't recall you ever having to save everyone" she countered at him" Hamazura and myself, we are not like you. We wouldn't save every single person. We just want to have our normal life, so we have to focus on those who are close to us. But you are included in this group. I said it before, but I am deeply grateful for you being a friend to Hamazura and pushing him towards me. We would never be together if it wasn't for you. I just know it. A woman's intuition, I think"

"Takitsubo-san, Hamazura is one of my best friends and I help my friends in a pinch. If you were in danger, I would save you too, no matter what"

"I know. Thank you for that. And you too must understand that our of gratitude if feel, I want to help you if I can. Not only because you are my boyfriend's friend, but because I admire you, even if I wouldn't always do what you do."

Touma was silent for a moment, before speaking

"This is going to sound odd..."

Takitsubo observed him with a neutral expression

"...but... if there was a surefire way to get to good future, should someone like me still pursue it?"

"What do you mean?"

"I bring misfortune. Right now, it mainly affects me, but who knows what will happen in the future? What if the best future I can bring with my actions will still bring calamity in the end just because... it comes from me? Someone who, no matter how hard he tries, will never be truly rid of bad luck?"

Takitsubo pondered on that.

"I don't think I can fully solve this... it does sound complicated and I probably don't know all of the circumstances. But... I think we are more similar than I thought. I had similar thoughts some time ago"

"You did?"

"Not exact ones, but..." wind played with her hair in the greyness of early morning, as she spoke quietly to him" From what Hamazura told me, you possess great power. Capable of negating any and all supernatural abilities. But... you also never really wanted it, right? You had it always?"

Touma nodded.

"Yeah, it wasn't my choice. I was just born with it"

"Well, even though I did go through esper development to have AIM Stalker" Takitsubo continued in a calm, even voice" I never expected what came with it. The peak of this power. The universal, personal unite capable of carrying out tasks of esper development on its own. Academy Individual. Someone capable of rising levels, diminishing them, or even change the characteristics of AIM fields amongst people, altering their powers. Apparently, this power would elevate me to unimaginable heights"

Sun slowly shone its first rays, illuminating Takitusbo while still leaving Touma in the shadow.

Her was creation to his destruction when it came to esper abilities.

"But..." he interjected" You also never wanted this. Is that it?"

"No, I did not. Having this much power would ruin everything I wanted to have with people I love. There would always be people who would want it on the Dark Side. When World War III ended, I sometimes thought that... if it came to pass, and if I was around Hamazura and the others..."

"That you would hurt them by being close to them?"

"Yes. Exactly that" Takitsubo nodded" But the thought of leaving everyone never crossed my mind. He and me... and everyone else... we went through too much together. Would you leave Index-san just because your presence could possibly bring her trouble?"

"N-No! Of course not! If anything, I would fight it!"

Touma frowned, deep in thought.

"Yes... I wouldn't abandon them. Maybe if there is a target on our backs... then sticking by and being there for others is what should be done"

"Maybe" Takitsubo replied wistfully" ITEM is my home. Is far from perfect, but it's still more of a family than anything I ever had"

"You are... a Child Error, aren't you?"

"Yup. No parents to remember from earliest of time, and ever since I awakened my ability, I... was tested and probed on. I have couple of small scars from my childhood. With Mugino... at least she tried to create a semblance of normalcy beside the fact that she also drugged and misused me, like all the others before her. After so many people injecting chemicals in me and cutting tissue to sample, I learned to dull my responses and emotions, to follow the commands, look harmless and blank. Then... it stopped hurting as much as it did. "

She rolled up her sleeves, showcasing the thin slicing wounds, likely from sloppily driven scalpel, near her left shoulder.

Touma's back, more specifically stab wound from when he was six years old, stung momentarily, as if in response to Takitsubo's past pain.

"When I was a child, everyone treated me like a plague. No one wanted to have anything to do with me and my very existence seemed to be a sin in their eyes"

Takitsubo put her hand on Touma's shoulder.

"I am sorry to hear that. I think... in answer to your worry, I think it's good to focus on the future. It means that you have hope to live past tomorrow. But if you don't focus to be happy in the present, there is no chance future that you will create will be happy. Future stems from the present. I think so and I think Hamazura agrees with me here"

Touma took a deep breath and smiled.

'I really get what Hamazura sees in her. And why my own son would have her daughter as a wife... wow, it's super strange to say that. Not in a bad way though'

Touma got his hand in a position for a high five.

"I will think about that. Thanks for the advice"

"Any time" she nodded, slowly high fiving him.

But as soon as she touched her hand to his, she froze, a shiver running through her.

"Wow..." she whispered" It's all gone"

"W-What? What is gone? Is something wrong?" Touma asked, but Takitsubo shook her head.

"Even when I am not tracking someone, the presence of AIM fields of espers around me are on the edge of my thoughts, pushing on me like a humming or buzzing. But when I touched your hand, it got so... silent. Usually, it's something I learned to accept and adapt to, but... it's so quiet. So peaceful"

Takitsubo couldn't help but smile in a relaxed fashion.

"You said before that you didn't want to go on with your powers, after the war. Since times changed, will you ever try to claim level 5?" Touma asked, struck by a sudden thought.

Takitsubo frowned and tilted her head at Touma.

"I could ask you something similar. If this power is so troublesome for you, if it could leave you, would you be glad with it?"

Touma thought about it once before. He knew that Imagine Breaker would transfer to something or someone else. In the past, he deduced that it was his duty to hold Imagine Breaker because at the very least he tried to be responsible with it. If it went to someone filled with malice, who would go on undoing some ancient seals and unleashing evil on the world, he would never forgive himself, even in death.

But when he was to answer, Takitsubo shook her head and clarified her question

"I mean, if it could be destroyed, would you destroy it? To be more happy? I think that while your power is certainly aiding you, you would still save people regardless of it."

Touma paused, shocked. What would be... if Imagine Breaker could be actually destroyed? Erased from existence, with all misfortune disappearing alongside him?

Would he... want that?

Just then, the doors to the balcony burst open.

"Hey guys, a little help? There is-"

Hamazura paused, seeing frozen high-five.

Now, Touma had faith that his friends new better than to assume things.

But since he also knew that with his misfortune misunderstanding were far more likely than unlikely to happen to him, he pulled away and quickly tried to say:

"Hamazura, this is not-"

"Boss!"

Hamazura practically slid near them, grasping his free hand with great strength.

"Please, know that you are best bro ever and I would fight for you, but I am not ready to share bed with you if Takitsubo starts to like this strange hand of yours! That dream can't become a reality! Takitsubo, don't fall for his handholding! It was just a dream, no, a nightmare!"

"Wait... you dreamt of me handholding your girlfriend while sharing a bed with you?"

Touma heard many strange things, but this was new.

"Boss, your effects on other girls speak volumes. If they extend on us..."

"Who do you exactly take me for?!"

Takitsubo showed unusual level of mirth, trying not smile too widely.

"Did you want us to go back inside?"

Hamazura snapped back to reality and nodded.

"Yeah, we are getting ready to go. It's better to do it before this argument of red haired pipsqueak and Mugino causes us to lose our home..."

A loud crash was heard from inside, accompanied by the shouting:

"What an amazing track record you have. Honestly, at this point you might just get a coffee card to stamp whenever a level 5 kicks your asses. I will gladly contribute"

"We might have been beaten, but at least I managed to keep my whole team alive, instead of shooting a goal to your own goal post and diminishing your own numbers"

"That's it, you are going fucking down!"

"Hurry!"

Hamazura jumped back inside, trying to hold back Mugino, while Naru and Seike pulled back Rita. The redhead was usually terrified of level 5s, but it seemed her aggravation with Mugino rivalled overruled that fear temporarily.

"Thanks for the talk, Takitsubo-san"

"I just thought you may need it from someone like me"

"Someone like you?" Touma asked, as they went to the door.

"With all the respect and admiration I have for you and your actions, I won't ever like you like other girls"

"Well, obviously, you have a boyfriend"

"So you see, I thought perspective of a girl who is just your friend would do you some good. Isn't this refreshing for you?"

Uiharu seemed to be doing something similar for him. Touma nodded.

"You have no idea how much"

(MEANWHILE, IN THE CAFE NEAR THE SCHOOL GARDEN)

Shokuhou Misaki was humming in delight, sitting by the table in one of her favourite caffes in the city.

She was smiling to the book she held in her hands.

There was a lot of craziness within her life recently.

The boy she loved for so long came back to her life, she made peace with her sworn-sister-turned-enemy-turned-friend, her dad had a secret romance out a telenovela with a woman who later were to became very powerful magician, with said woman being her actual mother, which completely blew both of their minds...

Anything else? Oh, right! Her right hand girl and best friend almost died fighting a maniac with a cutting ability, who turned out to be a childhood friend of a boy she loved, the dark side of said boy, that once manipulated and tempted her, came back to remake the future... and speaking of the future, she learned that Kamijou Touma was a cornerstone of the bright future filled with many of his descendents, among them... her own future daughter, a beautiful, in Misaki's humble opinion, girl named Kiseki.

Was that a lot? Very much. And she was sure she forgot some things.

But was she happy? Oh yes. In fact, whenever she felt she could not fall deeper in love with Kamijou Touma, she was proven wrong. She kept feeling it stronger and stronger every day.

It filled her with excitement and hope for their future life, whatever it could hold and wherever it might led them.

The book she had on the table was a photobook she kept with her clique.

Even though to the outsider it could appear that Shokuhou could use people in an instrumental manner (and she sometimes did), she had deep sense of friendly love towards each member of her clique.

Even though she could easily recall those memories from any mind in her clique, she and the others made an effort to make this book, to have memories in tangible form, for many years to come.

Kobayashi-san. Makigami-san. Sakibasu-san. Mei-san. Kii-san. Asato-san. Mibuki-san. Nenoha-san. And of course, first and foremost, Hokaze-san.

And now, with her prince's memory ability restored, their shared photos also started to fill the book. Although, in all honesty, they would need many books to fill what Misaki had planned for the future...

She giggled, smiling to herself, when she heard the waiter

"Yes?"

"Shokuhou-sama, your order is here: specially imported, exclusively made honey cake with whipped cream and cherries."

"Wonderful!" Misaki clapped her hands" Please, have haste ability and bring it to me"

There was a reason why she arrived on such early hour and alone at that. There were to be no witnesses to indulgence she was going to have.

Misaki called off her clique because memory erasure over and over got tedious, and she didn't want them to see this indulgence.

Soon, it arrived. Beautiful, specially made cake, with no preservatives or additives, only with sugary goodness.

She started to salivate a little looking at it.

She cleared her throat and spoke to herself.

"T-There is a lot to celebrate... so a little bit of gluttony ability is not to be frowned upon, right?"

She took a few bite of the delicious cake. And then a few more.

It was, as expected, incredible in taste. Sweetness and warmth spread through her body, as she hummed in delight, eating more in great pleasure.

"Ummm... if sunlight had a proper taste, that would be it..."

It was indeed amazing. As sun flooded the cafe, she felt as if she was melting with its rays and warmth. She yawned.

It was a cozy feeling. Like she was wrapped in a soothing blankets.

Yawning again, she thought that resting for just a moment wouldn't be so bad. After all, she showed great dedication getting up early in the morning to get to the cafe before the customers.

Just a moment... she was going to close her eyes... for just... a moment...

(NOT SO LONG AFTERWARDS, NEAR THE CRIME SCENE)

The sun had risen when they arrived at the scene, led by Kaira and Enka, with Sphynx, Later, and Noukan close behind.

The conversations and the breakfast itself did not actually take that long. But walking around the city in such a group was not as swift as they hoped. Nevertheless, they were here.

They weren't hoping to catch anyone on the spot. And maybe presence of daylight was fortunate. Maybe something more would be seen with greater visibility.

Everyone went forth, save from Takitsubo and Seike, who were appointed to watch over Fremea and Fraulein Kreutene. Seike wasn't really disappointed at that and from what Touma saw, started to explain something about cosplay.

For now, they had more pressing matters. Namely, a smashed body in the alley and the busty girl standing in front of them, against increasingly more irritated Mugino.

"You didn't say that there will be so many people" Konori Mii grumbled at Touma, observing the entire team he amassed.

"Believe me, I don't know how it happened too" Touma admitted in embarrassment.

"Look, stop making problems out of nothing, and let us through" Mugino snarled at Konori.

But Konori shook her head.

"I can't allow that"

"Oh? Tell me what are you going to do to stop me? See through my desire to blast through you? I can make it very transparent, no need for your laughable x-ray vision"

Touma put hands on both Mugino and Konori's shoulders before their emotions could escalate even further.

"Mugino, please, don't antagonize her. She is just doing her job and did me a favour by allowing to see this place before Anti-Skill comes. We should be thanking her"

Konori smiled with gratitude besides Touma. Mugino scoffed.

"I would, if she wasn't making problems right now"

"SG, please, we need to see this place. Now. You've already did so much, please, let us through"

Konori sighed and grumbled under her breath

"For the love of gods, stop calling me that. You know I am seriously bending the rules here, right?"

"I appreciate that, I really do. You are amazing"

"I do my best" Konori smiled lightly, jabbing Touma with her finger" You are going to owe me big time"

"Should I be scared?"

Amazora, who was close to them, grinned at that.

"Like that time when you owed onii-chan and dressed as a-"

"ALRIGHT, LET'S MOVE!" Konori hurriedly shouted in high volume" But smaller groups at one go, you hear me?"

As everyone got together to discuss who would go first, Konori moved to Amazora

"What exactly were you going to say?"

"That when onii-chan owes you something, you make him dress up like a Skill-Out member and you chase him around, arrest him, and 'put him in his'-"

"Alright, alright" Konori blushed a little, looking around" W-Who... who the hell told you such... a-absolutely ridiculous things?"

"Saten onee-chan"

"Oh, that blabber... I-I mean, those are all lies. I would like you to not spread it around. Since they are lies. Which means they are not true. At all."

"So... why do you have handcuffs on you?" Amazora asked skeptically

Konori cleared her throat

"That's because... I didn't know what to expect here. And good Judgement member should always be prepared for the eventuality of having to arrest someone"

"With handcuffs that have 'My sweet criminal' written on them?"

Konori maintained her pokerface, despite heat rising on her cheeks.

"Our faction accidentally got shipment from wrong... venue."

Amazora didn't believe it one bit.

"You are going to absolutely explore this opportunity, aren't you?"

The girl's grin widened.

"Yup"

(MEANWHILE)

The alley looked much more welcoming in the daylight than what Sphynx, Later, Noukan, Kaira, and Enka remembered, but it was still rather narrow and dimly lit, even with the slowly advancing level of luminosity from the rising sun.

And of course, there was no denying the wide reaching splash of blood, spreading from what looked like a pile of tissue... no other way to describe it.

It was quite sickening. Touma had seen fair share of the gruesome, but the way the body was destroyed and also the location... it made him relieve unpleasant moment of finding Misaka 10031... and arriving too late to save her after she head vectors of her blood flow reversed, the clone exploding into bloody mess.

Firstly, their chemist team, Rikuri, Kaai, and Yakumaru, inspected the body together, equipped with masks and gloves provided by Konori, while at the same time looking at the small vials and discussing something amongst each other.

As they moved aside to continue their work, Touma, Othinus, Kinuhata, Mugino, and Hamazura walked in their place, looking more broadly at what remained of unfortunate body.

Mugino and Othinus in particular looked at the body as if it was something normal, merely an unfortunate object of sorts. They were hardened by bloodshed to the point that they weren't going to react visibly. Still, Touma felt a little shaken and to his surprise, in some cases, he noticed others had similar reactions, varying only in intensity. At the edge of his vision, he noticed Index praying, her eyes tightly shut from repulsive sight.

"It appears..." Othinus spoke, kneeling near the edge of dried blood" That he... or she... was smashed into pieces. No, actually squashed would be more-"

Mugino wanted to interject, but Kinuhata waved her hands.

"WAIT! We have to super make this right!"

She pulled out a deerstalker hat and pointed forward, moving her finger towards all of the gathered.

"I saw enough detective movies to know how this goes"

"She sure did. Even though vast majority of them was of utterly shitty quality" Mugino muttered

"I will be a detective" Kinuhata whirled around" And Hamazura would be a sidekick, who asks super obvious questions"

"Would that be a great change" Mugino grinned at Hamazura, who frowned at her.

"Very funny. So, great detective Kinuhata, what do you think? Also, did you get that hat specifically for a moment like this?"

"Last question is irrelevant. And yes, I do. Like it was about to be pointed out, the victim appears to be" Kinuhata looked at the bloody pile from a few angles, before nodding" Squashed to death"

"I think it was already rather obvious" Othinus pointed out.

"Hah! Only super novice in the deductive work, with no super great experience in discovering the secrets of the violent acts, would say something was obvious in case such as this"

"I am literally the god of wisdom and wa-"

"So what super does not fit here, hmm?" Kinuhata narrowed her eyes, striding across the alley with a super serious face.

"It all looks like..." Hamazura looked up" Something was dropped on them. Something very heavy"

"Precisely! Perfectly sidekick observation to add, Hamazura"

"I swear..."

"That could explain why all of... whatever is left looks compressed down" Mugino remarked, circling a pool of blood while encircling it in the air with her finger" It wouldn't get that effect if something was shot from the ground and pulled the guy apart from there."

"Super correct!" Kinuhata gave thumbs up" Because-"

"The blood splashed horizontally on the ground, but not vertically, on the walls. If it was something on the ground level, it would go in all directions"

Everyone looked at Touma in a quiet shock.

"Boss..."

"How the hell would you..."

"I know because I had experience with a similar scene in the past" Touma shook his head" B-But there is a problem here, right? With the dropping something on someone, part, I mean."

"Yes..." Othinus said, pointing upwards" As we can see, there are-"

"E-E-EKHM!"

Kinuhata pointed at her hat, and Othinus rolled her eyes.

"But why is that a problem?" she asked in a much too unknowing voice.

"Because, there is a super high fencing on the roofs above this alley" Kinuhata tapped her finger on her cheek" Meaning dropping something by force would be incredibly difficult"

"And we can also exclude someone doing this to themselves. It wouldn't look like this after the drop"

"Peculiar case, peculiar case indeed" Kinuhata wistfully walked around

"There is also something else that doesn't add up" Touma realized

"What do you mean?"

"What Noukan and Enka said does not match"

"Huh, so I guess it's time to once again question the witnesses we have on our disposition" Kinuhata paused" Actually, how many witnesses were there? Anyone else?"

"Konori tries to cover that part. There is a chance someone else heard or witnessed it from different spot, for some reason or the other."

The group moved back to the others and talked through what were their thoughts on the matter.

The time came to combine the observation of the five witnesses (well, three in the eyes of most, as only Noukan could get actual intel from Sphynx and Later).

Among the unanimous agreement, Kaibi handled the questioning. Even they were in the group of friends, she activated her Measure Heart as an extra precaution. There was no lying to someone who appeared as one closest to you.

This amused and apparently interested Noukan, who voiced his uncertainty whether or not Measure Heart would work on him due to his specific semi-person status, but nonetheless promised to be truthful.

Touma noticed ITEM members being slightly disturbed by display of Kaibi's power and realized that they remembered how Frenda Seivelun was questioned by Kaibi on the behalf of SCHOOL before the great tragedy struck Mugino's team.

It was still uncertain to which point Frenda sold her comrades out of her own free will and how much of it was from the influence of Kaibi's supreme mental and emotional manipulation.

He wanted to made them feel better somehow, but his instincts told him that picking on this bomb unprepared would unleash a deadly and bitter explosion of jaded feelings. They did not need it. Not right now, when they had another task to focus on.

Hence, the point of confusion in testimonies arrived quickly.

"Enka-san and Kaira-san say that they heard something and then saw the person running away. But according to Noukan-san, he and the cats saw Enka and Kaira running through the perpendicular alley, and only afterwards the supposed culprit took off, running in the opposite direction than the one pointed out in previous testimony" Kaibi resumed.

"What does it mean, onee-chan?" Amazora asked. She relieved her boredom by lifting heavy trash containers, using her invisible weight distribution to hold them with apparent ease with just one hand.

"It means that they contradict each other. There is something quite off with the timing and direction here. There must be some logical explanation though"

"Maybe it was a feint?" Hamazura suggested" One of those was a false image?"

"This might be"

"Or maybe it was them? As in more than one person? What if there was an accomplice?"

"A possibility for consideration" Kaibi sighed, rising up "Well, as far as I am aware, when our chemical team analyzes the data they have and we try to piece this all up together, we can check the scene for something additional, that we could miss"

And so, Noukan went to sniffing, the cats jumped up and down the nearby windows, while Rita used her Predator to get a bird's eye view from above, to check out both the layout and possible escape routes.

In the meantime, Touma felt the tugging on his shirt.

It was Youen, who was quiet for most of the time, and was fiddling with something in small package in her hands.

"Hey..." she cleared her throat" have a moment?"

Touma lowered himself to look her in the eyes better

"Are you alright?" he motioned towards the pool of blood.

Youen's purple iris glistened, when she looked at him incredulously.

"Did you forget who I am? Trust me, this isn't a bloodbath, it's just a small poodle. Our parent, Kuchikusa, raised us surrounded by such scenes as we learned to harness biology and chemistry to our advantage."

"Right, right... I didn't mean to look down on your experiences... or you"

Small smile danced on Youen's lips.

"Well, I understand that not looking down on me may be difficult... you are more than half of meter taller than me. Anyway, since we are getting into obvious criminal mystery scenario here, and whatever your right hand is, it doesn't protect you from normal weaponry so... I made you this"

She unfolded something that glistened in the sun, shining in the light.

It was...

"A t-shirt?" Touma asked in confusion.

It seemed slightly more layered that the normal shirt, and the texture was different than any of his other clothing.

"It's silken shirt, a rather one of a kind creation of mine. I used the silk produced by bunch of my beautiful, genetically enhanced specimens, and modified it on a chemical level, before weaving it together."

"Wow... thanks" Touma didn't know what to say" It is... fancy?"

Youen sighed and put hands on her hips.

"Do you take me for some fashion diva? It's obviously for practical reasons."

"Which are?"

"Those threads are special. I worked hard to cross-breed some insects with different silk types to create one with greater resistance, tensile strength, and elasticity. This thing..." she pointed at the silk shirt" is a natural made bulletproof vest."

"Bu... Bulletproof? As in capable of stopping bullets?"

"This is kind of the definition. It will not stop a bazooka or anything of a bigger calbier, but for normal and gattling guns, it should be fine. It's also resistant to fire and electricity."

"Wow. That's... actually really amazing. Thank you so much!"

Youen waved her hand with a pleased smile.

"It's not perfect. Silk, even chemically enhanced and coming from GM-source, has its flaws. It will lose a lot of its strength when exposed to water, and will not regain them until it is dry. And exposure to sunlight for a long period of time will have the same effect. And, probably most important fact if you do get shot, it does not distribute the kinetic energy in the same way bulletproof vest does. If the shot connects, it will not pass through you, but you will feel the impact and get swollen skin, if not worse, in that spo-"

Touma hugged her gently, before pulling away. She stared at her with her mouth open.

"Thank you" he repeated

"You... you are... no one hugged me like that in..." she tried to compose herself, before tossing her hair, ponytail swishing aside" I-I'm just making sure that you won't get killed before... getting to know me even better and keeping your promise"

"I am not going anywhere. You have my word"

"That's good. Let's see if others got anything of use"

She turned around and walked few steps, before Touma called out

"And Youen! I... didn't know you could weave. That's... that's actually a real endearing quality about you to know"

Youen paused, before stepping forward quickly, keeping her head perfectly still so no amount of skin on her face would show, yet the red tips of her ears still betrayed her reaction to the compliment, something definitely not usual for a girl who spent most of her life amongst derangement and biochemical massacre.

Meanwhile, the additional search did not seem to yield anything of use.

Until one of the trash containers that Amazora still played with... made a sound.

Faint, but nevertheless audible.

And then... it shook slightly.

Everyone looked at it. Konori made a gesture to stop others and then her eyes shone silvery-grey, peering through metallic surface.

"There is... someone inside" she exclaimed with a surprised face

Amazora put the container down.

Slowly, very slowly, Touma opened the sliding lid.

And his jaw dropped, not only with astonishment, but also with absurd realization

"What?"

There were coincidences. There were conjunctions of events. And then there was whatever caused so many people, of different stories, sides, and motives, to suddenly, and without reason yet clear to him, converge in this one, single city.

The symbol of that, clear as day, was right in front of him, as Kamijou Touma experienced one of the strongest deja vu moments of his recent life.

He lips moved silently before he repeated, louder

"What?!"

Then, she pointed at the person in the container, which was completely empty and rather clean, considering its purpose, while also looking at Index, who had the exact face of dumbfounded, incredulous shock as he did.

Before them, sleepily rubbing her eyes, was a brown-skinned girl with white hair and crystal blue eyes. She wore a blue chrysanthemum ornaments in her hair, leaver flight jacket, white camisole accompanied by knee socks of the same colour, and trainers matching with a matching white-blue colour scheme.

Touma, Index, and Othinus met her before. She appeared to get taller since then, but there was no mistake.

This girl's name was Helcalia Grocery.

(HALF AN HOUR LATER)

"Wow... I have to say..." Kaibi raised an eyebrow, looking at completely unexpected guest." I know you attract strange people but a girl hiding in a trashcan like that one was a first"

"Well, I really dig her style. It's so different from what you see around here. So exotic" Naru chimed in.

They decided to inform Anti-Skill and retreated from the scene, already getting as much as they could from it.

Rikuri, Kaai, and Yakumaru went to Kamijou + Gokusai residence, wanting to finish their work with the help of more professional equipment. Noukan and Rita, possessing the most superior smell and sight, decided to go together for a reconnaissance around the city. Hamazura went back to check on Takitsubo and Fremea, accompanied by frantically scribbling Kinuhata, who seemed to be as excited as when it started, maybe even more so.

That left Touma, Index, Othinus, Naru, Mugino, Kaibi, Amazora, Enka, Kaira, Sphynx, Later, Konori, and Helcalia all sitting by the biggest table available in Joseph's.

She got both Touma and Index big hugs, her feet leaving the ground for a moment, before she sat down and started eating food that was ordered for her.

Soon they were joined by one more person.

"There you are!" Shutaura Sequenzia appeared from behind, grabbing unsuspecting Helcalia by her ear" Is getting lost your special talent or something? I searched for you half of the night and your mother possibly did too. Luckily for you, I located her and told her to stay put, until I escort-"

"Can someone explain to me what is going on? Oh, you know, besides the murder mystery? Who is this girl?"

"Did you know about Logistic Hornets?"

"That big project from a while back, with R&C Occultics involved? Yeah, what about it?"

"Woman who designed it is Melzabeth Grocery, co-founder of space enginering company Space Engage. This is her daughter, Helcalia. We met during a certain crisis in America. I had to reunite her with Melzabeth, while also... it's a very convoluted story to be honest. What about you, Shutaura? You act as if you met Helcalia before"

"Because I did, last night. I was actually looking for..." she scanned the table, before noticing and pointing at Sphynx" YOU! Arisa had so much fun with you, didn't she? You two... no, three, if we count your dark cat friend... made me look like a fool in front of my squad before I regained control!"

Sphynx, in line with his cat nature, gave absolutely zero sign that he cared, yawning and looking at Shutaura with feline equivalent of amusement.

"I looked for him after he just left to give him a piece of my mind... and after searching on the streets, I stumbled on this girl, wandering around, obviously lost. Like any good Crow would, I wanted to simply guide her to Anti-Skill, but-"

(FLASHBACK)

"Hey, you with white hair" Shutaura looked at the brown skinned girl, more or less 5 years younger than herself, looking around the street" What are you doing here? You seem confused"

Helcalia looked at her with worried eyes.

"I got lost. A crowd separated me and I can't find my way. I was never once in this city"

She spoke in fluent English. Shutaura had enough of a grasp on the language to make out what was said and respond back

"You probably shouldn't be walking around this late all alone. I will drop you at the nearest Anti-Skill station and I am sure they can sort it all-"

Helcalia shook her head and grabbed Shutaura's arm

"Don't leave. Come with me"

"Look, I have places to go. I am sure that once I drop you off, you can manage... you look like you could be in middle school now"

"I-I actually am in one now!"

Shutaura had a pretty rough then, and was tired, so this was perhaps the reason why her next question came out much harsher than intended.

"Where are your parents?!"

Helcalia paused.

"My mom came here for work. Some data collaboration, exchange of programming discoveries. I lost sight of her in the crowd and we went separate ways"

"And your father?"

As soon as she asked, Shutaura knew that it was a delicate question. But it was too late.

Helcalia's eyes glistened and her lip trembled.

"Dad died. During the explosion of a spacecraft called Uranus III that was meant to take him to the orbit."

Shutaura paused, shock and regret appearing on her face at the sight of deeply distraught Helcalia, who tried her best not to relieve the memory of the gone parent.

Unsurely at first, but then with greater resolve, Shutaura placed her hands on Helcalia's shoulders.

"Well, then it seems... we are in the same boat. My father..." her voice also trembled, just a little bit" He also died during accident in space. It was a space cruiser Orion"

She was looking at the foreign visitor in a new light now.

Helcalia sniffled, before asking

"You need a hug?"

"N-Now, I am a respected leader with high degree of mental fortitude. Besides, you barely know me, you shouldn't-"

However, Helcalia gave an answer to her own question, wrapping her arms around Shutaura.

"I know. This may be stupid, but you looked like you needed it"

Shutaura sighed, allowing her lips to form into a relaxed smile. This smile was only a courtesy of muscle memory she inherited from Arisa, and which was still in usage when Arisa was in command of this body. Perhaps this was one more example that her personalities were bound to slowly become one in the future.

"Alright, come on then. I will stay with you till we find your mom"

(BACK AT THE PRESENT)

"Now, would you kindly explain, why do you still got lost again, after we had come to such a nice understanding?"

Helcalia blushed and mumbled quietly

"I heard something weird. I thought someone was in trouble. So I got there, there was some shadowy figure, I got scared, so I waited... she left, but I worried she might come back... that it was just like in Los Angeles... so I hid myself and fell asleep because I was tired... and again, you found me "

Touma smiled as the girl turned her attention to him

"I wouldn't take the credit, it was really Konori and Amazora who... wait, did you just..."

Helcalia did not speak the last part of the sentence in english. Instead...

"Did you just speak in japanese?"

Helcalia lowered her eyes in display of shyness, and spoke again.

"Japanese difficult, but trying, because in it... speak you. Mother teaching me. I... making progress, I think. To speak with you I wanted. Happy, you are?"

It was honestly endearing that her japanese was as broken as his english was. Accent was definitely strange, and word order was all over the place, but it was still very impressive.

"You are learning japanese... because of me?"

Helcalia nodded eagerly

"Mom said it... beneficient for study... and because of you."

"Wait? Study? Are you studying something?"

Helcalia sighed, and spoke to Shutaura in english.

The Crow Leader listened, before nodding and addressing Touma

"She said that her mother recommended that she should stay and try to become an esper"

"WHAT?!" Touma, Index, and Othinus all exclaimed in unison.

"I am plenty smart. I am already learning japanese very quickly and I am very good at math. I take after mom. I will be good seper..."

"Esper" Touma corrected automatically" M-Melzabeth-san really did that?"

"Yeah, I don't buy it" Amazora walked in front of Helcalia" There must be something more than just being an esper. You want to be closer to onii-chan, right?"

When Shutaura translated it, Helcalia blushed and waved her hands frantically, her half-baked japanese mixing with english and some other language.

"I like to be with him again..." she finally said, slightly embarrassed" But I think I was... inspired by him. I wanted to be cool like him, and thank him for saving me."

Amazora frowned. She might have let Helcalia off the hook earlier after she heard about what happened to her father. After all, she also lost her father in misfortunate accident. But right now, her usual cautiousness when it came to girls her age interacting with Touma was coming to force, even if she looked at Helcalia with more open view look than for example Leivinia Birdway.

"What is my onii-chan to you?" she asked, pointing to Helcalia, and then to Touma.

The other girl pondered for it for just a moment, before proudly exclaiming.

"Space Husband"

Everyone stared and then turned to Shutaura.

"I-I made no mistake. This literally what she just said"

"Space Husband" Helcalia repeated in japanese, only to seal the deal.

"Oh..." Touma suddenly gasped, realization hitting him.

"Ever since I was little, my mom and dad wanted to give me a wedding in space. That's why they created Space Engage in the first place. My dad said that I will marry a man who will reach for the stars and pull one from heavens for me... mom also said that I should get together with someone who will make me happy and safe. After he saved me and mom, she said he might be the one. So I went here to see that for myself"

Amazora was absolutely shattered. She expected another little sister contender, but instead got a girl declaring that she would test if she could become a wife. It was like shielding yourself from a gunshot and receive a missile attack to the face.

'What is Melzabeth telling her? Does she really think I am the one' Touma thought in embarrassment' And what's with mothers leaving their daughters in my care and outright blessing an event that is decade or so in the future? What happened to my choice? Wait, choice... is Helcalia also...'

He flinched and put a hand to his head.

He saw something in flash of a vision.

The dark, starry sky with a stripe of galaxy dust, more visible than anywhere on earth.

Earth down below, bidding farewell to the night.

A woman in her mid 20s, with crystal blue eyes and long white hair, reaching almost to level of her pelvis, was floating above ground, her bride dress and hair moving without the interference of gravity, with tiara of moonstones embedded in it atop of her head.

She smiled and lifted a ring, just as the light of the Sun triumphantly illuminated Earth, breaking from behind it and causing her entire silhouette to shine.

He blinked and shook his head, looking at Helcalia, who munched on the vegetarian wrap that was bought for her.

'Wow... no way...'

Didn't he hear something similar when he first took a peak at his possible future? That Helcalia was going to be engaged? Engaged to...

Wait, also, a vision during waking hours with no outside interference? That was new.

"Wow... that's... some long distance planning" Naru said with a whistle.

"Can I have a wedding in a volcano?" Amazora asked Kaibi.

"Why on earth would you like to have a wedding there?"

"It's just goes with a super epic mega cool aura I have"

"This is the main criterium of choice for the potentially lethal place that can kill you in an instant?"

"Meh, I like my odds."

"Sounds like your mother is quite doting, Helcalia-san"

"Really?" Mugino snapped, causing everyone to be quiet." Cause it doesn't seem like that to me at all! She lost her daughter and from what Touma told, she already did that before when he met her, aside from putting her god damn daughter in danger. Fucking mother of the year material here, hands down. Oh, and it seems like she has her daughter's life planned out, how lovely of her! Honestly, it just makes me want to slap the shit out of her!"

She got up with such a force that her chair tumbled down to the floor.

"Hey, Mugino! Where are you going all of the sudden?"

"To your place, to see if there is anything going on with our actual problem!"

The doors slammed loudly.

Touma smiled apologetically to a shaken Helcalia.

"Sorry about Mugino, she can be... intense"

"That's an understatement" Kaibi snorted, rolling her eyes

"I-Is the tall mean priest here?"

It seemed like Mugino's outburst awoken some bad memories in Helcalia.

Touma couldn't blame her for fearing Stiyl. After all, she intended to crave flaming runes into her body upon their first encounter and was generally hostile towards her. Not that Touma held any pleasant memories about that time as well, considering Stiyl's attempted to shoot him with a gun.

"No, I don't think Stiyl's around. But Kanzaki is, and I bet she would be really surprised to be here"

"Hey, guys..." Konori chimed in, ending a phonecall she dialed minutes prior" I think I found this girl's mother. And you would never guessed where she is now"

(LATER...)

"Helcalia! I was so worried!"

"Mom!"

Touma was glad that this time the reunion happened faster this time.

Melzabeth looked as mature, beautiful, and professional as he remembered her, but she also looked extremely tired, with frazzled hair and ruffled clothes.

Apparently, she stayed up all night and went through almost entire district searching for her daughter. While she was unsuccessful, it showed that she was extremely distraught once Helcalia got herself lost again. Maybe Mugino's wrath wasn't fully accurate after all.

During the search, she was assisted by none other than Uiharu Kazari. She contacted the 177 Branch in the morning and Uiharu managed to track Helcalia's possible locations, before Konori phoned the branch herself, wanting to get help in Helcalia's case. And thus, by sheer coincidence, mother and daughter were once again put in one place.

"It's nice to see you so soon, Kamijou-senpai" Uiharu cheerfully saluted him" I got a feeling that you would get involved somehow"

"It never truly ends, even if I think that it will..."

"I am so glad that you are okay, I was so worried" Melzabeth kissed Helcalia's brow" I see that you found Kamijou-san once again. Such a nice coincidence..."

Coincidence. The word that kept his skin involuntarily crawl.

Coincidences were for the lucky people. And he was anything but lucky. If a coincidence ocurred with him, it rarely lead to anything good later on.

"It's not like I am unhappy to see you..." he said in a whisper" But what are you doing here?"

"Oh, Helcalia didn't tell you? I am here for business purposes. Or maybe research purposes is more adequate"

"I am impressed that you were allowed here after that case with Anna"

"Oh, that's cold! Would you like another kiss to warm the atmosphere?"

"I-I am fine, thanks!"

"Aw, you are blushing, so flattering! But to answer your questions, it's true that I made some mistakes in the past. But my skills, betrayal of R&C Occultics agenda, combined with the fact that our apparently cleared and defended miss Sprengel a while ago, allowed me a green light here."

Normally, Academy City, a place so advanced technologically, would not allow outsiders. But Melzabeth was a genius even on the scale of this place. Her ideas or sharing whatever data she collected and worked with could be mutually beneficial for parties involved.

Touma moved on.

"And is the thing about Helcalia applying for esper development true?"

"Well, I couldn't help but be intrigued by a certain boy from this city saving us in our time of need. Helcalia is very intelligent, even if she still hides a part of this talent out of shyness. Regardless, I think it may be a good experience for her"

"Being an esper has a darker side to it. You can't enforce something like that on her..."

"You are absolutely right, I am very much aware that this marvel of technological prowess has its own problems" Melzabeth nodded" But there are two other things to consider, at the very least. Firstly, Helcalia herself suggested coming to Academy City, it was not my idea, even if I approved it"

"Not your... really? Why would Helcalia want to come here?"

Melzabeth gave him a 'you are sweet, but incredibly clueless' type of look.

"You made quite an impression on my daughter, young man. You might have noticed that she made her attempts on her own volition, trying to learn japanese and advance her already good mathematical capacity. You are her hero. I also would lie if I said I wasn't fond of your vehement endurance. You wanted to protect her when your allies doubted her. And even when you thought that I might be a villain, you opted to risk it on a small chance I wasn't, all to reunite me with my dear daughter."

"Did I really impress her so much? Wait... you also said there was other factor? And what about Helcalia deciding her own future?"

"I want Helcalia to stay here for a while, to observe the life and challenges of life in Academy City, before actually deciding to partake in esper development. Preferably, with you, someone she knows and trusts, in close proximity. It would also give her the opportunity to learn about you, the person she started to admire. And then, who knows what the future holds?"

"B-But the thing about wedding in space... did you seriously tell her..." Touma stammered out.

"The priority for me is a man who can take care of my daughter. I didn't push her into anything, merely gave her my blessing should she want her wedding in space, and her little crush on you changes into something more..."

"B-But I am nearly five years older..."

"Almost exactly the same difference as between me and my late husband. Trust me, in the adulthood it will not matter in the slightest. But, as I said before, I admire how maturely you handle attention and how considerate you are of Helcalia. Which is honestly another reason for my belief that my blessing was directed in the right direction."

"If I get onto a space station, it will probably lose all its bolts and explode, Melzabeth-san"

"Aw, using my first name again? It makes me melt on the inside..."

"MELZABETH-SAN, IT'S EMBARRASING!"

This widow was getting too much fun from teasing him, especially since she was a mature female with great figure.

Finally, she looked at Helcalia and ruffled her head.

"So, Helcalia, listen to him for whatever you need to get by and learn in this city. I will be visiting and calling very often, but you are my little star, so I naturally entrust you with your hero, until you make your own decision about becoming an esper or not"

Helcalia nodded eagerly.

"Will do!"

Melzabeth looked at Touma

"Don't worry, she won't get in your way and you don't have to preoccupy yourself with her lodging either. It would just be great if you could aid her in her need, as you did before."

"Sure... I can do that"

"She can be resourceful and useful, you know."

Touma still couldn't fully wrap his head around it. Maybe it was the fact that he experienced a lot of suffering in his life, but he didn't fully understood reasoning of the parents willingly sending people to Academy City, especially after Accelerator revealed some of its practices. Did Melzabeth put so much trust in him that he will keep Helcalia safe from this side of esper world? Or maybe it was a plot of mischievous mother to fulfil her daughter's whims about seeing the guy who saved her life once again?

He shrugged and spoke to Helcalia.

"When we were walking here, I gave heads up to someone. I think you two will get each other quickly"

He guided Helcalia to one of the computers, and after asking for permission, connected to virtual chat.

"She should be here any... ah-hah!"

A face of Sotzy Exica appeared on the screen.

"Okay, I found this internet café... am I doing this right?! Do you hear me?!"

As was a standard for magicians when it came to the modern technology, Sotzy didn't quite know how to handle it.

"Yes, and you don't actually have to yell at the screen to be heard"

"So... you said that you wanted to introduce someone to me"

Touma pointed at Helcalia

"This is Helcalia Grocery. I met her by chance during a mayhem similar to the one I was involved while your cabal was around. I was wondering if you wanted to talk to one another, since she kind of reminded me of you"

To be honest, Touma felt bad for making assumptions. Helcalia and Sotzy looked similar and reminded him of one another, but wasn't this an accusation westerners offended made towards the oriental people and vice versa? That everyone looked similar in their eyes? Sure, he took their personalities into account, but would that be enou-

"Oh my stars! She looks so nice! I love your style! How did you meet Kamijou?! Look at you! I always wanted to have a younger sister because, you know, I only have older one... she is currently out, like she is ALWAYS THESE DAYS! But never mind that now, I will be your honorary big sister now! Tell me more about yourself, tell me!"

If even Touma was almost toppled over by the wave of Sotzy's enthusiastic chatter, it was no wonder shyer Helcalia moved slightly beside him.

Sotzy had to notice that too because, after a moment of thinking, she smiled and said something in the language totally unknown to Kamijou.

Helcalia blinked in surprise, slowly coming forth and replied in the same language.

Reply followed. And then another. And another, with Helcalia slowly relaxing and speaking more happily.

Melzabeth offered an explanation that the language was Hindu. Even though both she and her late husband had indian heritage, it was Helcalia's father who was attached to those roots and language, Melzabeth finding herself better in new country and with assimilated English. Each of them tried to educate their small daughter about the things they valued, and so, Hindu lessons were one of the happiest memories of Helcalia's father just before the accident.

Unknowingly, Sotzy started to bond with Helcalia by using something that gave her pleasant memory of her father and was rare to her, as none of her friends spoke in that language.

He didn't know what they were talking about but he was supposed to be one of the topics, because Helcalia was glancing at him from time to time, before quickly turning her head away, while blushing. Sotzy had no such reservations, evidently pointing at him, as the two young girls giggled together.

As they spoke to one another through the computer, Uiharu cleared her throat, putting her hands together.

"Melzabeth-san... since everything ended up well... can we..."

"Oh, I would almost forget. I accept the challenge"

"Emm... what is going on?" Touma asked.

"While searching for Helcalia, I learned that miss Uiharu appears to be quite skilled when it comes to computers. I even heard she is most remarkable hacker in the city"

"Oh, that's too kind..." Uiharu said, but it was obvious that she was very pleased with the compliment.

"And not to brag, but I am skilled in this disciple as well. So... we thought about challenging our abilities."

In the next moment, two of them sat down by two computers on the opposing sides of the table, with two computer keyboards on each side.

Uiharu and Melzabeth sat down, looking at big monitor between them.

"This is access point to Academy City's main security network. We have 10 minutes. One of us will attempt to breach and assume control over it, another will try to stop her."

After a coin toss, Uiharu got to be the attacker, and Melzabeth the defender.

They both stretched their fingers, as the timer counted down

"5...4...3...2...1...begin!"

Both started to furiously type on their keyboards. Touma, who was about to leave, watched the spectacle in amazement.

Two pair of hands moved in such a way that they momentarily blurry. The lines of code appeared in lightning speed on the monitor.

Even if he couldn't understand any of it, she knew that the green tick marks appearing made it clear that Uiharu was gaining more access to the network. One by one, the gateways were breached.

"Oh no you don't" Melzabeth said with a sassy smile, typing incredibly fast on her own keyboards.

The code glowed with new lines of symbols and Uiharu clicked her tongue, as the access was getting revoked again.

Touma never thought that the petite girl with a flower headband had it in her to be competitive.

He also had no idea that human fingers could move so fast, as sweat was trickling down their brows.

In both instances, he was proven wrong.

(LATER)

Uiharu ended up winning, although she was seriously tired and admitted that it was first ever time she met someone who got her to be out of breath when it came to hacking, as her opponent resisted her not only vehemently, but also rather skilfully.

Melzabeth was equally winded out and absolutely impressed by Uiharu, suggesting with delight that if Academy City's Goalkeeper ever needed a stable job opportunity beyond the City, she would do her utmost to provide it.

The contest of informatics skill also ended with one computer exploding from overheating, courtesy of Touma's misfortune. Which was why he, after returning to his apartment to reunite with everyone, he had to wash his scorched face, completely blackened by soot.

"Onii-chan, were you in the fight?" Amazora asked, peaking into the bathroom.

Touma sighed.

"You know, with how bad my luck is, I am honestly surprised I wasn't a subject to a sudden self-combustion by this point. No, Amazora, computer simply exploded in my face. But I am ready now"

In their living room, everyone was chatting, talking about their observations on the case or chatting about other topics to relax for a moment.

"Come on" Kaibi motioned to him" Rikuri nee-san and the others have something to announce"

After a moment, everyone was seated. Well, almost everyone.

Seike and Takitsubo were still away taking care of Fremea and Fraulein Kreutene. And he couldn't see Mugino anyway by the table.

"Alright..." Rikuri said, sitting at the end of the table with Kaai and Yakumaru" Everyone, we would like to present you our findings. Which are rather bizarre and may create even more confusion... but we shall carry on with it nonetheless"

She cleared her throat and looked at other chemists by her side.

"The thing... there was no sign of poisoning of any kind..."

"... nor any real long -term pathogenic contamination, as far as it can be deduced from blood samples from the ground. Something could happen recently, though. From the clean tissue I could see, it seems that the body used to be healthy... before it wasn't anymore" added Kaai, sounding slightly disappointed that there wasn't any revolting disease to come into close contact with.

"Any clues left on the body are inconclusive as to who the culprit was. There are no traces of... well, anything" Yakumaru shook her head, biting her cute lips in frustration" Almost as if the body was crushed or smashed by something remote."

"Ekhm, ekhm!" the self-appointed detective Kinuhata waved her hand, while chewing on a pencil" So we are super back to something dropped from high-altitude on a poor..."

"Girl" Rikuri completed.

"Yeah, poor her, but we already saw that there is a high fencing on the roof. It's physically impossible for a person to throw something from above in that spot"

"I inspected the place" Noukan said, sitting on a chair to be on eye level with everyone" This is indeed difficult place for such a drop. But let's not forget, the very idea of this city was to transcend laws of physics. There is no saying what ability could be involved"

"Speaking of evidence, Sphynx here got me to find this..." Hamazura pulled out a strand of blond hair and presented it to everyone." Oh, I guess it's wrong that I touched it without gloves or anything like this"

Sphynx appeared to look particularly smug, even though it was Hamazura who delivered the evidence

Rikuri delicately took the hair and inspected it, Yakumaru also leaning over to examine it.

"This is a valuable finding. And don't worry about the fingerprints, we need to examine the hair itself. It may not come from the culprit, but it still might-"

"Wait a second" Othinus interjected" Where did you find this?"

"I think it was on the emergency staircase, going from the roof to the ground, just a couple meters from what was left of the body. There was also an armband in the nearby trash. It seems like you were right to call me. This might be something from the past"

"How so?"

"I saw armbands like that in one of the gangs that were subservient to Komaba. The armbands were apparently mockery of sorts when it came to their relationship with Judgement"

"But don't you think such armband was a bit on the nose? Why wasn't it close to the body?"

"Maybe someone didn't want us to find it?"

"Also, you say the hair was not on the roof? On the ground level?" Othinus, focused on earlier clue, asked quietly.

"Yeah... maybe there was something else on the roof, or in other place on the ground level, but I didn't manage to check... maybe the killer could leave it behind when he was climbing up to lay in wait and drop something on the unexpected victim?"

"Maybe..." Othinus seemed to dive deep in thought.

"The thing about 'killing' here is-" Rikuri tried to say, but was caught off.

"Excuse me, but..." Enka, in his cautious manner, also joined the discussion" What about what we saw? The running away person? Or the fact that they just disappeared?"

"That's right. What the dog said... sorry, what Noukan-san said... does not match what we saw?"

"Maybe there was one killer and another person created distraction to super fool us?" Kinuhata suggested.

"There is something about the death of this person that we also-" Yakumaru also tried to voice Rikuri's earlier thought, but was drowned out.

"But what kind of esper ability could be used to produce such complex illusions?!"

"Maybe... it wasn't ability like that"

Everyone turned to look at Index.

The nun slowly spoke again

"Are you suggesting... that the other side is involved?" Hamazura asked.

"What? What other side?" Naru asked, turning her head from one side to the other

"There is another way" Index pointed out" In folk tales, Vasilisa could call upon Baba Yaga's power to crush people who dishonest or cruel to her to reach her happy ending"

"Baba Yaga? I heard that somewhere... wait, why are we talking about some witch all of the sudden?" Kaira was equally puzzled as Naru.

"Vasilisa? Her again?" Rikuri clicked her tongue" Well, she is blond..."

"Blond and suspicious, both very hard and solid proofs." Kaibi said sarcastically.

"But there was something... off, about her, recently" Touma said, recalling the recent encounter" Someone should probably check..."

"You are not going" Othinus cut him off

"Huh? Why not?"

"Because she obviously wants something from you. And even if there is a chance that she behind this, if this is a provocation, you cannot fall for it. Whatever she wants, with your luck, I doubt it would be good."

"You can't know that..." he mumbled, but his strength to argue took an instant hit.

He changed the subject.

"Also, I think someone needs to check on Saronia. She is spying on Vasilisa, maybe she will know what's up."

"I suppose that would be-"

"EVERYONE!" Rikuri screamed, causing all people present to fall silent at her outburst. She pointed at Yakumaru and Kaai" There is something else, very important, that the three of us learned from examining the remains"

"Really? Super important details from a crushed body? Colour me super intrigued" Kinuhata put her hands together" What is it?"

"You know how we were wondering if this was a murder or if this person jumped on their own?"

"Yes?" Kaibi also gained interested in the apparent discovery" Did you conclude if it was a murder or suicide?"

"Well, sort of. We concluded that it was... neither"

Silence reigned for a moment over the table.

"WHAT?" Hamazura threw his arms into the air" But there is a dead body in the alley!"

"Indeed. He was either killed by someone, or by himself." Othinus nodded, before blinking in surprise" Unless..."

"I think you already guessed it"

"Well, I don't." Amazora said with a frown" What did you find, onee-chan?"

Rikuri sighed.

"Well, from the level of necrosis... cellular decay, that is... we estimated that this body was not showing signs of life for at least two to three days"

"Yeah, after some time after death, body starts to expel methane through bacteria breaking it down" Enka said proudly, before noticing everyone's looks. " What? I have the power that stinks, both metaphorically and literally, might as well know more about it since I am stuck with it"

Kaira shook her head in amusement at Enka's indignant mumbling and patted her boyfriend's arm with a small smile.

"Wait..." Naru shuddered" Are you saying that... the culprit made a mess of someone who was already dead?! That's... messed up, even by our experiences"

"It was hard to see it when it was there. It was supposed to look like someone died right there, and it's in all likelihood an attempt to throw us off."

Touma felt like this was getting more and more complex.

Was Vasilisa really behind this? Did she got someone to work for her? Was it the same person involved in attacks on Ayu?

Did someone was working behind the scenes, using the body as a decoy? Was the person chosen specifically or was it just an incident? How many traps were layered on the way?

And most importantly, what was the reason, some sort of a goal, that was behind all of this? Why go to such lengths? Was this a direct attack, diversion, or something else entirely? What could possibly be the purpose?

He knew that there were lots of unknowns. But he was sure of at least one thing.

"We can't get let this situation go over everyone's heads. I am getting to the bottom of this"

"You mean, we are getting to the bottom of this" Kaibi squeezed his hand and nodded to everyone gathered" Okay, now let's assign our parts"

(5 MINUTES LATER)

They decided to split into 4 groups, from which one would stay inside and three move out.

Touma, Naru, and Yakumaru would go investigate the address where the victim was last seen... or rather, her body was. It was District 10's crematorium.

Kaibi obviously wanted to go with Touma, but he convinced her that she needed to stay and get in contact with Konori if any more witnesses were found and needed to be interrogated. Rikuri also stayed behind to examine the evidence in her lab alongside both Hanatsuyu twins.

Noukan, Amazora, went to check the data from the previous night in the city's database and compare them with what was already discovered.

Rita scanned the city and while she didn't manage to find Vasilisa, she found someone who resembled Sasha. The team comprised of Mugino, Hamazura, Enka, and Kaira would head in her direction to locate Vasilisa and confront her about her possible involvement.

Index and Othinus, naturally, also wanted to accompany Touma. However, he wanted them to find Hasako or Maidono.

"You know where Kumokawa-senpai lives, right? Hasako should be there. And she will know where Saronia is. Magicians are... rather stealthy, so we might not get much from the cameras. But if you go, we might find her and also learn that others are safe. I don't want more people than necessary to get involved... although I am aware that it's a bit stupid to say this at this point"

"Okay, I get what you are saying, but why are they going with you?" pouting Index pointed at Naru and Yakumaru.

"Well, apparently Scavengers are well acquainted with the crematory. They will be my guides, so to speak"

"That's right" Naru proudly puffed out her chest" Scavengers dealt with cleaning after major dark side scuffles, amongst other things. It's kind of in the name. So we were in the crematory multiple times"

"Plus, we already called reservation on the adventure with him for a while" Yakumaru added, much quieter and more to herself.

Touma discreetly slipped away, finally getting the glimpse of someone who wasn't by the table: Mugino Shizuri.

He stepped on the balacony to join the level 5.

"Hey" he said, leaning on the railing close to the girl" How are you doing?"

"Peachy" Mugino snorted.

"If sarcasm could cut, I would be split in half. Do you need me to recap everything we discussed or..."

"The door was partially open, I might not have been there, but I've heard everything"

"Right..."

Wind messed up Mugino's hair as she sighed and tuck it back to place with her hand.

"Look" she finally said" I know that face by now. I am not good when it comes to talking about feelings and stuff... but since you are obviously really bent on talking about it, be my guest. If you have something to say, spill it"

"W-Well, in that case... you... blew up a little bit there. Or maybe stormed off is a better term? Point is, Helcalia actually got scared and I was just wondering... why?"

"Couldn't you guess? I said I was pissed at that girl's mother... Belzameth, Velzabeth, or whatever her name was. She was irresponsible, carefree, and apparently allowed the brat to be lost twice ever since you met her. I bet she is trying to be a picture perfect woman, oh so smart, oh so nice. I smell bullshit! I strongly believe that you shouldn't commit to something if you aren't going to give it your all. And if she doesn't do it, maybe she shouldn't be a mother in the first place!"

She panted slightly before her breathing calmed down.

Touma didn't say anything for a moment, before finally speaking

"This is a little strong... especially concerning someone you just met. This... this is not really about Helcalia. It's about you, isn't it? And about your mother..."

Mugino drummed her fingers on the railing, while using the other hand to massage the bridge of her nose. She closed her eyes, exhaled, inhaled, inhaled, and exhaled again, before the drumming slowly came into a halt.

"My mother, Shizue..." she finally said" was a daughter of a mafia gang that owed my father money. She was basically a spared victory prize for him. But if she has something going for her, there are two things: She is very beautiful and extremely cunning. All her life, she put this face of an obedient woman and wife, but behind my father's back, she extended her influence, through connections, favours, and blackmail, within the Mugino family itself. I never knew... what she was truly thinking. My father tends to be quick to anger and ruthlensness, but at the very least he was always straightforward to why and how he acted like he did. Mother... I never felt true warmth from that woman. Heck, I didn't even realized such warmth existed until Hamazura managed to fix ITEM. The only things she could teach me was to be strong and to be like her. It's for survival's sake, she said. And whenever I wanted anything else, she said I was ungrateful. Whenever I see mothers messing up and seemingly not caring, I am just thinking whether or not I could..."

She paused, seemingly saying something more than she intended to.

"Yeah?" Touma was not going to easily let this go, once Meltdowner opened up already.

She looked at him flatly

"If you tell anyone, and I mean anyone, no matter how tolerable of a company I find you in recent times, I will kill you"

"S-Sure, I know better than that"

"You better do" Mugino grumbled, and all of the sudden, dropped her head on his shoulder, her arms wrapping lightly behind his back, as if strength momentarily left her.

Touma heard her slightly muffled voice from behind.

"When I was little... maybe to spite my mother, or maybe because of something else... I often imagined that I could be a better mother myself. I always wanted to be better than her. I imagine I would make my own children happier than I was. I know, it's pretty stupid that I thought about it when I was a child myself... and even more stupid taking into account everything that happened since those relatively peaceful days. But every time I see that mother-daughter bond... I can't help but recall that stupid dream. And it's got even more annoyingly persistent ever since I kissed you."

"Why would it be more persistent because of me-"

Mugino pulled back for a moment and raised an eyebrow. Then, Touma understood.

"Oh! Ooooooh..."

He couldn't help but blush, just a little. Mugino grinned at the sight.

"Hamazura wasn't kidding, you really get all anxious with older girls. And what is this? Didn't you say that you would stick by my side to stop me if needed?"

"W-Well, yeah..."

"So who said that I didn't want to follow on that?"

"I had no idea that you even wanted to get into relationship with someone in the first place"

"Well, for a long time I had bigger things to consider, and I still do. But most of other dumbasses who tried were trying to get to the last step, while you insisted on doing this properly. And while the others avoided me because of my temper and past, you stayed with me because of all this. So different, but still equally strong. This is a rarity. I admit, this contradictory nature of yours makes the prospects very... tempting"

As she said, she grabbed his face with her hand, strong enough for Touma to fill the power of her grip, but enough to cause him pain.

Meltdowner looked at him with amusement.

"For many years, I steadily grew disinterested in the future. Winning in the present, with no mistake, was all that counted. But because of you and others, I am more and more invested in where the future will take us. I hope it will be worth my attention"

Then, her face fell.

"But... even if by some struck of luck I were to have children, what good would that do? I would be even worse than my own mother. I am a murderer, what could I possibly teach the child?"

As Touma thought about it, he winced.

A new vision suddenly flashed in his head.

Or rather, part of the vision he already saw in his sleep some time ago.

(FLASHBACK)

"Are you two happy?" Touma asked, as they watched the people in the park.

Two young women accompanying him, his daughters named Sena and Shimitsu, exchanged glances with one another.

"You mean aunt Shizuri and this bundle of joy?" Sena pointed at Shimitsu, who looked at her in outrage.

"Why do I look like someone more problematic at first glance?"

"Because, sister, we all have our circumstances. And I am sure dad wonders how aunt Shizuri is doing given her own past." daughter of Nephthys answered smoothly.

"Says the daughter of a goddess that was so pampered that she doesn't know proper customs and runs around half-naked in the least appropriate moments"

Sena coughed awkwardly and waved hand at Touma.

"D-Dad, she is exaggerating, I would never... a-anyway, Mitsu, the question was about you, the floor is yours"

"Don't call me Mitsu. Only..." Shimitsu looked at Touma" Only dad calls me that... wow, it's so weird talking about you when you are our age."

"So you mentioned before..."

"Yeah, I can get what mom said about you..." Sena remarked with a smirk, golden bracelets glinting over her light brown skin.

"N-Nephthys talks about me when I was like that?" Touma asked, falling into his daughter's teasing, before Shimitsu cleared her throat and approached Touma.

He noted how much she resembled Mugino, down to similarly styled hair, which was, however, much darker. Similarly, she had his eyes, trait which seemed to be inherited in some of his children with great force.

"Well, like I said, it took some time for mom to come around. She was very unsure about motherhood and such... but because of you, she finally decided to allow herself to try..."

"And how did it turn out?"

"I probably shouldn't tell you much, since apparently future changes all the time depending what happens in the past, but... from my point of view as her daughter, I can tell that she is trying 200% for me, even if she sometimes doesn't know what to do or how to talk about feelings... can't blame her, given how grandpa and grandma were... but, my point is... she always cares. Even if she can't do something, she tries her best and is very protective. I love that about her. And if she doesn't know how to do something, you complete her in a great way. You always manage to calm her down "

"Mhm!" Sena giggled, putting a hand on her lips" After all, you are 'his special sparkle that lights up everything she touches'"

"Shut up" Shimitsu blurted out in anger and embarrassment" But... I guess it's true that you and mom were there for me when I discovered true potential of my ability and was scared of it. I guess dad who can negate any ability and mom with lethal beams of pure destruction for a power are pretty good training wheels"

"That sounds ominous." Touma remarked" What... exactly is your ability? You are an esper, right?"

Shimitsu looked at Sena.

"Would it work in a dream?"

"Sure, I made it from a real life memory, all the laws of physics you need apply here"

"Excuse me for being preoccupied while you literally float in the air upside down while speaking to me!"

"I am a Lady of Dreams, I control this space. I am very beautiful and special exception"

Shimitsu sighed and picked up a leaf from a ground, holding it in his .

"Dad, you might want to step back a little back"

When Touma did as he was told.

For a moment, nothing happened.

But then, the leaf started to glow. In three colours: red, blue, and green.

And not in any random way. Three patches of colour were shifting. Blue switched colours with green, then green with red, blue with red, green with blue, red with blue, green with blue, blue with red... but always in the way that three colours were present.

The switching of colourful glow got faster as Shimitsu exhaled

"Here we go"

Suddenly, blue colour started to dominate the triad, and as it took over, a point of white appeared in the middle of the trembling leaf. Shimitsu dropped the leaf and ran backwards, taking Touma with her.

"Dad, close your eyes!"

And then, there was the most blinding explosion of white light, followed by the wave of intense heat.

When the light receeded, Touma slowly opened his eyes.

"What the..."

In the place where the leaf was falling, there was a crater of smoking ground and sizeable chunk of the soil itself... just ceased to exist.

"What... What is that ability?" he asked in a hushed voice. He turned to his daughter and jumped from shock" Why are your eyes glowing blue?"

"Oh, sorry, that can look creepy at first sight" to be precise, Shimitsu's irises went from black and grey of Touma's own to bright neon blue with crimson ring around the iris" This is the side effect of absorbing back radiation feedback. It's because I chose to tweak blue antired gluon that I look like this. I detonated a leaf, a small object, so it should recede after... 10 minutes or so"

"A what? And did you say... radiation? Again, what is this ability?"

"Its name is too big of a spoiler to say right-"

"Atom Breaker" Sena said with a wide smile.

Shimitsu froze, her face slightly turning red, as her sister continued.

"She went with that extremely on-the-nose name because aunt Shizuri's Meltdowner is written as Atom Breaker. And also because it's Breaker as it in Imagine Breaker..."

Sena avoided punch thrown her way.

"Stop embarrassing me. Sister or not, I will vaporize you!"

"Idiot! You can try all you want!"

"And now, I will have to kill dad because I am going to die out of shame, knowing that he knows that!"

"Well, if anything happens to him in the past, we will disappear, so if you want to risk a paradox, be my guest"

"It wouldn't be a paradox if it's in the dream. Anyway, as I was saying before I was interrupted, I named my power like I did because this is what I do. My ability allows me to control strong interaction, the most potent fundamental force that binds quarks within the atomic nucleus together, by manipulating the colour charge. I can use my ability to break those nuclei by controlling the states of quarks within the nucleus through the gluons, massless particles that cause the quantum states of colour charge to change. Those colours you saw were the representations of quantum states within the nuclei... which are not actually visual colours, but for some reason are showed as such with my ability. Those quantum colours are the basis for my power. There is green, red, blue, and there is also antigreen, antiblue, and antired. All of those form combination of gluons that change the states of quarks, forming the hadrons, and must always be stable. But when I destabilize one of the colours with my power, the hadrons break apart, releasing great amount of light and heat"

Touma stared at her blankly. Shimitsu sighed.

"Basically, I manipulate the colour charge, quantum property of quarks... the stuff that makes protons and neutrons in the atom cores. I can detonate any matter I touch by destabilizing the strong force maintaining its structure at the molecular level, which causes the atoms to break apart. This releases great deal of energy and light, and also completely disintegrates anything I touched in the first place."

"So... you are a walking nuclear bomb"

"Just a tiny one. I can change the colour charge of anything I get a hold on, but destabilizing anything big is dangerous for everyone and requires much more time. I have extremely high resistance to radiation decay, so I usually absorb any harmful energy, because my body can break it down. This... this ability is one of the most powerful from all of us. I need to hold something for just a moment to completely eradicate it from existence, no trace left. It scared me and no one wanted to be my friend for a while. I also caused an accident when I first discovered it"

She smiled and this time, he saw his own smile. The one he could rarely allow himself for with all the misfortune he had in his life, and so treasured each opportunity for it.

"But you and mom never gave up and supported me all of the time I needed to control it. I guess... mom is not perfect, but she knows what is like to be through though times. She wants to make sure that none of that will happen to me. It doesn't always work, but we are happy as we can be. Thanks to you, dad. And when it comes to mom... it will be okay, eventually. Some day she will learn that love can hurt and be wonderful, one after the other, and not everything has to be perfect about it for it to still be amazing. And in the meantime... take care of her, okay?"

(END FLASHBACK)

"Hey, are you still here?" Mugino waved her hand in front of Touma's eyes" If you are bored, you can just say so"

"No" he came back to reality" I think... I think you will be great mother one day"

"Huh? Are you nuts? Why would I be? I am-"

"Someone who fights really hard with her past and does her best to become a better person"

"Someone like me can't have a-"

"Happy future? I thought we've been through this. You are not a monster. You just need time"

"But what could I have brought for someone innocent, who is new to the world?"

"You could teach everything you learned, base on the mistakes you made. If you wanted to be a good mother, it's not just a silly dream. You can try your hardest, because you are very good at focusing and winning through the obstacles. You will probably make mistakes and , but everyone d And if you don't know something, others will be there to fill out the gaps. Someone told me being there for someone and guiding them through though times, not expecting everything to be perfect... may just be enough to be as happy as one could be"

Mugino snorted in amusement, as they looked at the sky.

"I bet that person had happy childhood and wonderful parents"

Touma thought about Shimitsu and couldn't help but smile, clenching his fist in determination.

"I sure hope so."

After a moment, he turned around.

"We will be going our separate ways in just a moment. So consider coming back inside."

"Yeah, be right there... and one more thing..."

Mugino also turned around and smiled lightly at him.

"I don't shower gratitude left and right, but... I really feel better, and I will think about what you said. Thanks"

"Any time"

(SOME TIME LATER, DISTRICT 10, KAMIJOU TEAM)

And thus, Touma, Yakumaru, and Naru embarked on their mission together.

All of them knew of the importance of investigating the crematory, and the connected morgue, so they tried to move swiftly, being vigilant and cautious. Well, Touma and Yakumaru were. Naru wouldn't be Naru if she wasn't happily skipping in a rather childish manner.

"Look..." Yakumaru cleared her throat, as they walked side by side" I know this might be... not the best time, but we are really happy to work with you"

"Yup! Totally psyched!" Naru twirled around with her emblematic umbrella" We heard tons about you but were never a part of actual battle with you."

There was also another part of their reason for coming, but they knew they couldn't just bluntly switch into talking about their feelings. Not right now. They could just hope it would naturally surface in some situation.

"Honestly? I am glad you two are here. You are competent and you definitely bring a bit of light to this dreary place. This situation is rather unsettling, so it's nice to have someone who is positive around"

Both of them tried to maintain composure and not bluntly showcase just how much they liked his comment.

"W-Well..." Naru grinned brightly, putting a hand to her chest" Positivity is my middle name! Sakuragi "Positivity" Naruha! You have good eye for noticing this lovable quality of mine!"

"Well, then I guess I will take the "competent" part" Yakumaru clapped her hands.

"Exactly, Yakkun can- hey!"

"I was actually kind of worried that you were mad at me or something. You two were out of it for a moment"

The two friends exchanged glances.

"We... kind of needed to sort some things out, just the two of us." Yakumaru explained" It's all better now, even if it took some time"

"But mad? No, no way. Especially since-"

Naru suddenly got quiet and lifted her hand.

Touma and Yakumaru also froze.

And then, they heard it.

Subtle, but still noticeable sound of shuffling feet.

Naru quietly formed paper sphere the size of a small cannonball, and then launched it at the nearby corner of the perpendicular alley.

There was a loud squeal and a girl few years younger than Touma fell on her butt from behind her hiding spot.

"Ow..."

Running up towards the girl, Touma sighed once he noticed who it was.

"Oh? It's that girl with a nice style." Naru said in surprise" Why is she here? Didn't you leave her with Judgement... and with her mother"

"Helcalia? What are you doing here? You know, getting you back to your mother is getting kind of pointless if you are going to just wander off-"

Helcalia dusted herself off, and gave him a look he didn't really see on her before.

It was a look of a very stubborn determination.

"Didn't... lost... had to run... check you... okay... not again... like then... you safe... she told me..."

Touma was more than confused from the broken japanese, even more distorted by Helcalia's emotions. Naru and Yakumaru also shrugged.

Helcalia sighed and, pulling out her phone, she typed something into it. After finishing, she turned the screen towards them.

It was a translation into japanese. They moved closer to read it.

'I didn't get lost, I chose to follow you. Because big sis Sotzy told me that what happened in Los Angeles was not just one thing. You are always in trouble. And I noticed there is a problem, with all those people trying to find someone who killed that person... I was scared that bad things will happen to you again and you will be hurt. I am scared, but I had to do this. I can help you not being hurt! Don't know how, but I can be useful. This time, I will really help!'

"Wow, someone is loyal as hell to you" Naru commented at Helcalia's confession" I like her even more"

Touma looked at Helcalia, thinking about what she said.

"You are scared that I will be hurt?"

The microphone caught his words and converted it into english.

A moment for the response...

'Back then, you were hurt because you were trying to save me and mom. I saw it in my dreams, you dying because you protected me. I don't want this. I have to prevent it, somehow. You can't be shot again. You were so brave, but I heard you were in danger so many times...'

Touma really wished that Sotzy didn't say too much about adventures he was in. But was done was done.

"Helcalia, I am doing what I am doing because I want to. No, I choose to. What I do I do because it's something I feel should be done. You don't need to feel any debt, or something like this. You have no reason to-"

Helcalia shook her head, fervently.

'No, No, No! This time, I won't be helpless. I will help. And you won't have to be hurt. I want to be as cool as you and keep you safe.'

"Helcalia, there is nothing cool about saving others. Or, at the very least, I am not doing it because it's cool."

"He is right. What we are involved in is scary and dangerous" Yakumaru agreed.

'I know. I am scared. But I don't care.'

Touma watched Helcalia for a moment.

She was indeed shaken. He could see she bit her lip and there were small tears forming in her eyes.

But that determined eyes didn't falter.

Helcalia really changed in the break they had from seeing each other. And it wasn't just the fact that she got much taller, looking more like a teen that a primary schooler he remembered.

He felt stupid about not ever thinking what consequences could events in Los Angeles have on her. Maybe it just showed how accustomed he grew to mayhem and chaos surrounding him.

But it wasn't normal to a girl like Helcalia. Being left in a locker, witnessing everyone around her turn into sand, her mother being not accounted for a long time, and then finding herself in a battle between Kamijou's Group and R&C Occultics.

This would leave an impact. He just didn't expect Helcalia would be influenced by him to this degree. Or that she would feel such a strong need to keep him safe.

"I will be fine... please, go back to safety-"

'No, I will come back to you. Until this weird thing going on doesn't stop, I will try to help. I am scared, but I can still help. I don't want you to go. I don't want to lose anyone else.'

Oh. There it was.

Helcalia already had experience with losing someone close to her. Of course she wouldn't want it to repeat itself with someone else grew fond to. Especially since she saw that someone being put in mortal danger for her. Touma had no idea how she found out about Stiyl shooting him. As far as he could tell, she was present, but unconscious at the time.

He knew that she would be determined to go back no matter how many times he sent her away.

In this situation, keeping an eye on her was a better option. Especially since he wasn't alone and had Yakumaru and Naru with him. And there was no time to judge a book by its cover. If being younger than him was a determination of not being able to get a job done, there wouldn't be the cases like Amazora or Hanatsuyu twins.

"Fine. But you have to listen to us, right?"

'Yes, sure. Thank you so much. I will do my best'

"I don't know how useful she can be, but, well, we can't waste more time when we are right in front of the target of reconessance" Naru concluded.

Seeing Helaclia shiver a little, Touma only now noticed that she lacked her usual brown jacket. She left only in her camisole. Was she that bent on catching up to them that she went onto dash through the city with something so thin?

Papers swirled around and hardened into a long coat reaching the middle of Helcalia's legs. The paper darkened, gaining a hue that would blend perfectly in the shadows. The only element that was not dark grey-to-black was small red skull, same as the one Naru displayed on her cheek.

"Ta-dah! Brand new Naru original, no need for applause. It has few layers of reinforced paper, so it should keep you warm. It will also be okay with moderate amount of water... try not to fall into any lakes or canals with it on though"

Helcalia smiled at Naru

"Thank you"

"Helcalia-san, was it?" Yakumaru asked

"It's just a bit long. I know, since we are friends now, I will call you Calia-chan, the same way my friends call me Naru instead of Naruha"

Yakumaru nodded when Helcalia

"Helicalia-san, you are certainly sneaky. I am impressed you managed to follow us unnoticed for such a long time" Yakumaru complimented the newest member of their team." Maybe you could consider being a spy and gather information in hiding"

Helcalia frowned at that.

"Not... want... to only hide. I want... to do something..."

"There, there, everyone start somewhere" Touma quickly said to placate her.

And then, they arrived in front of the crematory, which was also combined with a morgue, and situated close to Academy City's only cementary, a vertical establishment near the center of District 10.

As they readied themselves to go inside, into the gaping doorway that looked anything but welcoming, Touma felt Helcalia touch his arm.

"Yeah? Is something the matter?"

"If this... really dangerous... me promise... to not hurt. Try... can you?"

Touma smiled as she said this in serious tone with her broken japanese.

He knew he couldn't predict the future. He didn't what they were walking into.

But still, the desire to easy Helcalia's worry won over.

"I promise. We are here together, so don't worry, I won't let myself be shot this time around"

"It's a promise, my Space Husband"

"H-Helcalia, stop calling me that, I am not your husband... it's too early for you to..."

'Mom tells that persistence is the key in winning the man in denial'

"Again, what is Melzabeth teaching you?!"

(MEANWHILE)

Index, with size-shifted Othinus on her arm, knocked on the door of Kumokawa Seria's apartment.

After a moment, the Beauty Senpai opened the door and glanced at Index.

"Oh, it's you. Is my kouhai with you?"

"Touma is... busy with something else"

Kumokawa swallowed the question what the something was and restrained the urge to phone her network of contacts.

She could come off as paranoid, but she was still recovering from her inability to aid Touma in his last battle.

She went with all of the trouble of contacting Accelerator and using one of the most advanced weapons in the city against the threat known as Kamijou No Touma, only to learn that it only stunned him a little.

Kumokawa Seria was extremely intelligent, to a degree that some mistook her prowess for an esper power. But being so intelligent came with a price of how expectations.

Someone so smart should be able to shield the one she loved from harm and predict outcomes that could lead him to doom, right?

Yet she failed. She did her very best, but even she could not counteract all the plagues and misfortunes that befallen on one that brightened her predictable and explicable life. Her little mystery, admirable in his virtues, inexplicable in his drive, refreshing in his normalcy, and adorable in his silent adoration of her own beauty.

Kumokawa Seria found first hand that love was illogical.

On the rational level, she understood very well that no human, even as intelligent as herself, could control and predict life to a degree that would bring someone to complete safety. Especially since that someone was a boy with right hand that deliberately seemed to direct bad luck his way.

But even understanding all of that, she could not help the worry that she was feeling or worry she was experiencing. She restrained herself, not to be a complete freak, but one memory returned with great force in moments of her unrest.

The terrible dread of realizing that Kamijou Touma did not return home right after the end of the World War III. That he presumably lost his life.

Almost her whole life she was in control, she pulled the strings and moved others like chess pieces. But in that dreary moment all her brilliant brain was damned, all strings in her grasp were cut, the chessboard toppled over.

When she fell in love, she remembered her delight and intrigue at the feeling of giddiness and excitement. She never knew that letting go of reason and feeling like this could be so pleasurable.

And equally so, she never knew assuming your loved one died could be so imaginably painful.

She tried used her incredible self-control to get back to herself. She failed miserably. She remembered crying into her pillows, with her tangled and unwashed, her eyes and nose red from tears, with no sleep or food.

Kumokawa Seria never concerned herself with world enough to be actually depressed. But that time...

'Seria, focus. This is not happening. It passed. Something is going on now. Get back to that'

"Is there anything I can help you with?"

"Well... we were actually hoping to meet with Hasako-san. She recently got to know one named Saronia Irivika, we need to talk to her too. Is Hasako-san here?"

Kumokawa raised an eyebrow.

"I was... actually concerned that she is not coming back. I thought that she is with you, guys"

"No... she definitely isn't"

"Well, that's not worrisome or anything. And Maidono isn't in her apartment either" Othinus muttered" We should probably contact human and ask what to do now"

Index searched her walking church and scavenged the phone...

Which was completely out of energy.

"Where will you learn to charge it?"

"Sorry..."

"Don't worry, you can use mine" Kumokawa said, also eager to know what was going on.

But...

"No reception. With his luck, it doesn't surprise me"

"So, what do we do?"

"We keep trying. And maybe, if he finds something on his end, we will follow with whatever he discovered"

(MEANWHILE)

"Are you sure that we are close?" Hamazura looked around" I don't see Sasha anywhere"

"This is what this small girl said." Enka replied, also looking around for any clues

"Predator doesn't lie. That girl has top scouting ability in the city... well, not on AIM Stalker's level, but I wouldn't count on the mistake from it" Mugino frowned, as boys and girls moved separately scanning the narrow street from two sides.

They were very close to District 12 border. The area was devoid of people, which in itself was starting to get them on edge.

"What the fuck is going on around this city right now?" Mugino voiced their feelings after a moment.

"Are we missing something? Why isn't she here?" Hamazura pondered, walking around." There must be some way to locate Vasilisa. Maybe..."

His eyes widened in realization.

Maybe there was a method of localization that would be right for the magic side.

Some kind of spell or tracking enchantment. He vaguely remembered Touma mentioning Tsuchimikado Motoharu, the notorious spy connected to the GROUP, had means to do that.

But to use magic, they needed to find a magician. And all four of them were espers.

"By the way, it's so cool to work with you" Hamazura looked to his right, thinking he misheard Enka.

"What?"

"I heard about you when I was still... well, in a low point of my life. That you led Skill-Out and even when hitting low bottom, you managed to defeat a crazy level 5..."

"Which is right beside you and can hear every word you say" Mugino said dryly" Though, I admit, I wasn't in best state then, so I'll let this slide"

"R-Right..." Enka gulped and then continued" But you still prevailed and got out from all sorts of dangers, standing your ground while also being together with one you loved. I didn't know if it was just a rumor before meeting you... but hearing it gave me hope that even someone like me..."

"Hey..." Hamazura patted his arm with a grin" You turned around to a new leaf, just like I did. You didn't let your flops with girls crush you completely, and you saved your girlfriend, nursing her back to health"

Kaira coughed into her hand and turned around, trying to hide her slightly pink cheeks.

"You are a good guy. So I don't want to hear you are 'just' you. Keep this head high!"

Enka's eyes started to water.

"Hamazura-san, hearing this from you... it makes me so happy!"

Hamazura found himself being hugged tightly by a guy higher than him.

Kaira sighed, coming toward them.

"I think..." Hamazura weakly pointed at Enka" this is yours"

"Sorry for my idiot, he can be so sappy at times..."

Kaira pried her boyfriend off and let him hug her chest.

"He acknowledged me! Hamazura-san! Now, with both Kamijou and Hamazura by my side, I will not look pathetic"

"I know, I know... maybe it would look better if you restrained yourself now..."

"Right, right, sorry..."

"Yeah, I am sorry too, breaking such emotional moment of appreciation..." Mugino squinted her eyes, looking at the far end of the road" But what is that?"

Something was quickly heading their direction. It left a trail of dust behind itself and moved faster than a car.

Everyone got into battle positions. Hamazura reached to his pocket for a weapon, glowing orbs appeared around Mugino, Enka lifted one of his lighters at the ready, and Kaira bent down to touch the ground.

But then, the moving object slowed down, and came into complete halt.

As the cloud of dust cleared away, everyone realized that it was not a thing, but a person.

Hamazura almost didn't recognize her. In her recent battle, she got her hair cut away, leaving her with slightly frayed, short hairstyle, that barely reached her shoulders.

But of course, Kaira, being one of most devout admirers of the person in front of them in the past, reacted immidiately

"Hokaze-san!"

"Everyone, I require assistance! There is an emergency!"

"Indeed it is!" Kaira zoomed to her side instantly" What happened to your gorgeous hair?!"

"O-Oh, well, it was slashed off in battle. This is not a big deal, it will grow back"

"But it is a big deal. I remember how you said that it was a symbol of your commitment to Shokuhou clique. As much as I disliked Shokuhou Misaki, you looked so divine in it"

"I suppose it had its charm. I remember when they were first curled-"

"EXCUSE ME" Mugino bellowed" We are actually in the middle of something important. So, what was that about emergency?"

"Right, have any of you saw my Queen? She didn't came back from her visits to the coffee shop and our clique was getting worried. Then, I went to check with Misaka-san, since they are such good friends and like to spend time with each other in recent times... but she is unaccounted for, as well. I fear something happened to them. I was running, trying to get any clue, as neither myself nor my other friends can locate her. Then I ran into you"

Mugino frowned.

"Railgun and Mental Out are missing? Those brats, however annoying they are and however unfair it is that #3 is on the spot she is, are not something to sneeze at. Where the hell did they go?"

(MEANWHILE)

"Ugh..."

Misaka Mikoto slowly opened her eyes. The light was blinding and the world was swirling around before everything regained clarity. She was laying sideways in a closed chamber, with walls painted made from very thick, see-through glass screens.

"Where am I?"

And then, memories came to her.

She was attacked.

And apparently...

"I was... knocked out? Me?!"

She felt burning feeling of humiliation spread through her, feeling that quickly turned into anger.

"Who thinks they can just..."

She tried to move but she felt great resistance against her entire body. She bent to see what was causing it.

"What the..."

She seen many things, but this... was new.

Except face (more specifically her eyes, lips, and nose) she was covered head to toe in black, thick rubbery suit. It allowed her to move just a little, before enormous elasticity forced her to original position.

"What is this?"

She shouted angrily, and concentrated on her ability, calling for great electric shock to shatter the glass and free herself.

But nothing happened, except her skin tingling and then returning to normal.

"M-My ability... it's not working?"

"Misaka-san... you are awake, I see..."

Mikoto gasped.

"Wait... Shokuhou? Where are you?"

"Your left..."

Mikoto groaned, and after few attempts, she managed to get herself to upright position. Then, she looked left.

Another containment next to her, with a large "4" on the top, was empty. She could see that there was something similar to a surgical table with straps and the breathing mask in the center.

And then, beside it, still within Mikoto's visibility, there was a containment with "5"... and Shokuhou Misaki in the center, wearing...

"Shokuhou, what the hell?"

Shokuhou Misaki was in her bra and panties. And for some reason that Mikoto initially didn't understand, she was leaning against the wall, with pale face.

It was only after straining her eyes, Mikoto noticed the reason.

Misaki was dripping with sweat, and was panting heavily, her cell being turned into something that looked like sauna, with air shimmering with heat.

"Misaka-san..." Misaki spoke again. The room seemed to have excellent accoustics because they could hear each other perfectly" It would be helpful if you quit staring and helped me get out of here"

"W-Why are you here? Why are you almost naked? What is going on?"

"I was... going to ask you the same thing. Well, not exactly. Why do you look like a human-shaped tire?"

"I don't know. I just know that someone assaulted me and caught me by surprise... and for whatever reason, I woke up here. And you?"

"How I got here is not important"

"Let me guess... it was something incredibly stupid. There wasn't even a fight, was it?"

"..."

"Come on, spill it. What, did something drugged you when you were stuffing your face?"

"..."

"Shokuhou?"

"It was a really delicious, preservatives and aditives-free cake Misaka-san. Only a fool would pass such-"

"I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU! That was a joke! There is lame and there is that!"

"W-Well, what about you. I am supposed to be a delicate and beautiful brains, and you are the muscular brawn. And yet here you are, looking like a liquorice bug"

"It's already bad enough to be in a situation like this, why did it have to be with you?"

"Well, I am delighted as well."

"Again, what is going on? And where are we?"

"I think..." Shokuhou weakly wiped overflowing sweat from her head" I have an idea..."

"You do?"

"It was a rumor, and I honestly laughed it off. I heard that in mind of one my girls, who heard it somewhere else, and so on... and thought of as an urban legend. I would never suspected someone would have audacity and be crazy enough to build it."

"Shouhou, where are we?"

"We are in a BIND"

"Are you losing your mind? Yeah, we are obviously in a bind, but..."

"No. B.I.N.D - 5... Backup Immobilization and Neutralization Defences against Level 5s. This place is supposedly a top secret facility with confinements tailored specifically to counter us. I heard they didn't manage to build ones for #1 and #2, they were too powerful... and for #7 since they didn't have any idea where to even start... but as for ourselves..."

"This can't be real..."

"I would love to think so, but whoever constructed this, clearly did his homework."

"Why do you say so?"

"To answer your question, there is a reason why I am forced to sweat here, with more skin surface exposed to do so..." Shokuhou wheezed"... aside from the fact that my remotes were taken... my ability works by using moisture and pressure of cerebral fluid as a medium. If either me or my target becomes dehydrated, either through sweating, lack of drinking, or blood loss, to the point of destabilizing cerebral fluid, my ability either doesn't work or works in a way that does more harm then good and can be too risky to use"

A memory of one instance of her using her power on someone with imbalanced pressure of cerebral fluid made her shudder.

"Your weakness... is sweating?"

"Yours is apparently rubber and being dressed as a mascot of tire company! And it's DEHYDRATION, please, don't call it name it should not bare!"

"Is this why you don't like sports?"

"No! But why do you think I organize events to drink tea with me?!"

"I honestly thought that you were just pompous and vain"

"H-How could you, Misaka-san. I am shocked and appalled"

"So... does that mean you erase memories of you constantly running to the toilet?"

"I don't expect you to understand the challenges of my power. Think about yourself!"

"What is this thing?" Mikoto groaned, struggling with heavy and tight suit.

"I would guess it's some sort of incredibly reinforced and high-quality rubber. Multiply layered. I wouldn't be surprised if Academy City could synthesize the strongest insulator in the word. One that can contain even power of your magnitude, and insulate it within yourself"

"As much as I want to disagree... I can't get any electricity out! Damn it! Hmm, but even if they prevented me from discharging it, I can still use anything that is..."

She suddenly gasped.

"Misaka-san?"

"No metal... I don't sense anything magnetic around us..."

Even with her electricity contained, she still had her electromagnetic perception and metal sense.

But there was nothing as far as her extended senses reached.

Only plastic, glass, and wood, as far as I could see in the darkness of the space around them. And air, whether hot or cold, was apparently pumped from beyond her reach.

No traces of iron, nickel, or cobalt, ferromagnetic metals she could use with her ability, not even in the walls.

"Someone... really thought this through" she whispered, uneasiness settling in her" Shokuhou, did you try to open the door?"

"Do I look like something who can bust through anything? I was hoping you could do it!"

"I can try using my electricity to boost my internal strength, but I was never as good at it as Junko-san. And everything looks super sturdy. I can't... if the doors were made of metal or had an electronic mechanism, then maybe..."

"Wonderful idea, Misaka-san. Let's ask our captor to change the doors into more modern ones so we can break them and escape. I am sure it will work"

"Oh, shut up! I just need..."

"You know, my dears, I would appreciate if you didn't actually bust everything. I merely borrowed this place... and I am not really knowledgeable about technicalities myself..."

A voice came from above them from the darkness. A female, mature voice.

"Who are you? Show yourself! Do you know who we are?" Misaka shouted

"Of course I do. Otherwise, I wouldn't bother taking you here. Please forgive me for using this accommodation, but ever since my partner informed me of it, she couldn't resist seeing it used in action. I admit, this city is so different from my usual working space..."

"What do you want from us?"

"I am very sorry to disappoint you, and it may be hard to perceive given that you are at high place in this community social structures, but this isn't about you. You are just an invitation for him to come here... and a spares, should one of my main guests fail"

"What are you talking about?"

There was a sound of running and doors being opened.

"And right on time, other people arrive. Please, come in"

From one side, someone was guided through the darkness, until the spotlight hit them.

"Wait... isn't that..."

(AT THE SAME TIME)

Gokusai Amazora opened and closed her mouth on loop, as she looked around the ITEM apartment in shock. The place she visited just hours ago changed drastically.

She was sent here, with agreeement of her sisters, by Hamazura Shiage and Kamijou Touma, to inform Takitsubo and Seike about their plans.

But she arrived to a trashed apartment, with doors partly open, furniture demolished, and windows broken.

There was some strange smell in the air, although it probably lessened in intensity thanks to draft through broken windows.

Rikuri would surely be able to identify what exactly was it and how it was made. All Amazora knew was that it made her throat itch and made her nose tickle like crazy. She rummaged through the room, coughing slightly.

She also felt a bit woozy... as if she could just lie down and...

She suddenly straightened herself and bit her own hand.

'It's some kind of sleeping drug. I can't fall asleep'

It helped. But she needed to move.

She heard a groan and quickly moved to its source.

And sure enough, she found Seike Taromaru muttering something in semi-conscious state.

She dragged him into the outside corridor, where there was no remnants of airborne anaesthetic.

"Hey!" she slapped his cheek slightly" What happened here?"

Seike groaned some more and moved from one side to the other.

Amazora narrowed her eyes, crossed her arms, thinking about what to do.

Then, the idea came to her mind. Covering her mouth, she quickly came back to the apartment and after short search, came back with a small container. Turning her face away, she lifted Seike's head and positioned it right into the entrance of the bin.

The feminine boy's eyes opened almost immediately, and he covered his mouth to prevent himself from throwing up.

"Wha... ugh... what is this?"

"Biodegradable trash" Amazora answered cheerfully" I hoped something like that will wake you up"

"Don't ever. Do that. Again"

"Hamazura and my onii-chan sent me here to get a message for you and Takitsubo-san... but something happened, right?"

"Yeah..." Seike said weakly" We had a good time. I was telling those girls about secrets of cosplaying... when all of the sudden..."

"What?"

"Some sleeping gas bombs were throwed through the window. And some... random ordinary people charged inside in gas masks. I knocked some of them to the ground, told the girls to run, but... the gas eventually got the better of me..."

"And Takitsubo-san?"

Seike grit his teeth and weakly hit the floor with his fist.

"They took her... damn it, they took her... I was there and they took her... shit!"

Amazora didn't wait long.

"Can you move?"

"I will probably be able in a moment, but now I feel like I am in oil or something... wow!"

She lifted him and started to run, her invisible support allowing her to transport Seike without issue.

"W-Where are we going?"

"To get my gun. And then... if those bad guys hurt onii-chan in any way or do something he will be sad for" she cracked her knuckles with a wicked little smile" no matter who they are, I am going to kick their ass or die trying!"

(MEANWHILE)

Takitsubo Rikou had blindfold taken away. She blearily stumbled forward.

"Where am I?"

At the same time, someone else appeared in the door.

Kankoyugami Hasako took in the room in shock.

"What is this place? Maidono told me to go here... but then some people guided me here and... what are you doing in those... large, see-through cubes?"

"We are relaxing here and wait for a spa treatment. See, Shokuhou is even getting a sauna..," Mikoto quipped sarcastically" It's obvious we are imprisoned here!"

"Oh, I wouldn't call it that. Well, you are confined, yes, but not out of my volition" the voice from the darkness said" My partner didn't particularly care for your well-being. If I knew earlier, I would treat you with far greater respect. But just for the precaution... Shadow Witch"

Suddenly, a giant figure of an old, bent woman made entirely out of smoke and shadow appeared in front of Hasako. Before she could even scream, the grotesque old lady snatched her glass neckle, the key to her power, and crushed it in her grasp. Then, she disappeared, glass raining to the floor.

"Forgive me for doing that, Hasako Kankyougami, but I really desire for you to listen to me and not make a mess of things by using your powers until I paint the whole picture for you"

"Is that... what do you want?" Takitsubo muttered, still rubbing the sleepiness away from her eyes.

"Straight to the point? Very well, since we are all here... at least since our mental stabilizer arrives... I suppose it's only good to speak face to face."

Light flooded the control room far above them. On the ramp stood a woman in red habit, with long blond hair.

"I know you..." Mikoto muttered" You were on TV in the office of that russian..."

"Patriarch. My name is Vasilisa." the blond woman spread her hands" And I want to assure you, I wish no one any harm. It is true that all of this was handled rather roughly, but I wanted efficiency that my partner could provide in collecting all of you and getting you here. There is one more person that we should have here... well, would be two, but collecting Mugino Shizuri proved to be challenging..."

She looked at the chamber with 4 on it, before turning back to the girls below her.

"Nevertheless, all I ask of you is a cooperation for something very important for me. You can call it a lifetime obsession, vendetta, or anything you like. You can ask for compensation or your own payback when it's all done. I agree to be called a villain here. I don't care, I might as well be one, but if it gets me justice I want and corrects the mistake that was made, it's a price I am more than willing to pay."

"If you want us to help, get us out of here!" Misaki wailed" I am going to melt!"

"I will, when you listen to my story. I want you to really understand why I had to come here..." Vasilisa grabbed the railing within a tight grip" Why am I doing what I am doing... and what I wish to do to have a peace in my heart."

She suddenly jumped down, the old woman made of shadows appearing again and gently putting her to the ground.

Vasilisa sat down between four of them, in the position that was very open and vulnerable. She pressed a button on a hidden remote and Shokuhou sighed with relief. She was still sweaty and weak, but the heat relaxed a little bit.

"You want us to do something for you?" Hasako asked.

"Well, you have a pretty twisted way you go about asking for help" Mikoto said, struggling to keep balance in reinforced rubber suit" But even if we agreed to listen to you, why would we help you?"

Vasilisa's smile got more devious. And chillingly dangerous.

"What if I told you..." she pressed a finger to her lips" that what I want to do... no, what I yearn to destroy... is something close to one you care about, little Railgun?"

They got silent.

Something big was about to be revealed.

There was a chance there was something vile and that they were victims of evil.

But at the same time... they were tempted to hear the russian nun out.

The story of tragedy, yearning for justice, and revolution that would change the world...

The unveiling of those were about to take place.

But before Vasilisa spoke, Hasako added something

"But... where is Maidono? She said she would be here. I only went here because I thought she was in trouble"

Vasilisa smiled gently

"Trouble? Oh, my dear centrepiece, she is in no trouble. She is, quite possibly, only resting by now"

Hasako ignored strange way Vasilisa addressed her, and inquired in confusion.

"Resting?"

"Well, of course. After all, it was all thanks to her and my partner that we could all be gathered here..."

Hasako felt colour drain from her face.

"What?"

"Don't think bad of her. Let's just say... she wasn't in her right mind. But she did an excellent job in getting all of you here... and helping in that case that preoccupied you so much, in that alley..."

Hasako clasped her hands together. She wasn't angry. She was immensely worried.

Where was Maidono Hoshimi... and what she was doing?

And... what was done to her?

(MEANWHILE, GOKUSAI + KAMIJOU RESIDENCE)

"I knew it! I knew there was something strange about this hair!"

Kaai and Youen looked at their older lab sharer with confusion.

"Strange about the hair? The hair we got to examine as an evidence?"

"Yeah... I am so stupid. I should have seen this early"

She motioned at the computer's screen.

"It made no sense. But it couldn't be any other way. Because this hair is not natural. It's synthetic. As if it came from a..."

(MEANWHILE, ELSEWHERE)

A blond wig glimmered in front of her, as Kuriba Ryouko followed its owner through the streets and alleys.

She was confused and determined to find what was going on. She wasn't thrilled to do so. She had her normal life and many things to do within it.

But she also owed it to Mikoto who was a very good friend of hers.

And also because it unnerved her. How little she understood about this situation.

One moment, she walks with Mikoto. The other she is send flying, loses consciousness, waking 10 minutes later or so, Mikoto nowhere to be found.

But just before blacking out, Kuriba was certain what she saw.

Or rather, who she saw. A person she recognized immediately, despite some time passing from their last meeting.

It was why she was now tailing...

The person in front of her was gone.

Kuriba lost focus only for a moment and already lost sight of her?

She ran forward a little bit.

It was a moment too late when she realized she made a mistake.

"You know, I heard that after an accident involving a certain doppelganger, your life was saved by its parts. Meaning that artificial, non-living additions run practically through your entire body structure. Ain't that unlucky for you..."

Suddenly, Kuriba Ryouko couldn't move.

It was as if her entire body stiffened like a statue, or if a giant hand was clasped all over her.

"What are you doing here? And why are you following me?!"

Kuriba's body shot forward, being pinned against the wall by invisible pressure.

"Khh... ughh..." she groaned under the strain

As if pointing in accusation, Maidono Hoshimi came forth with her index finger on the girl with hair of black and white.

"Kuriba Ryoko... I thought I was clear I don't want to see you ever again, you cow" Maidono snarled, looking at two-coloured hair of cyborg researcher" If you want to add stalking to ways you want to screw with me, don't be surprised when I retaliate."

"Maidono... I didn't come here to fight you... or stalk you..." Kuriba groaned while being plastered against the wall."Just ask you something..."

"Really?"

Maidono Hoshimi despised the cyborg researcher named Kuriba Ryouko for one simple reason.

Due to its importance in cybernetic learning and cyborg prosthetic development, Kuriba was the one to get slide-signalling method popular across Academy City's research institutions through her articles and accomplishments with it.

It was the very same method that cost Maidono full usage of her fingers, at cost of the extremely powerful output of telekinetic ability. It also came with large array of complexes regarding intimacy and fitting in.

Once she learned of Kuriba, she confronted her in a very ugly argument, that heat both sides up, ended up in a destroyed lab, Anti-Skill summons, and bad looking black eyes and cuts on both girls, after abilities and technology gave way to girls' fistfight.

Kuriba was initially furious that Maidono attacked her like that. But after some time, and seeing the indirect, unwanted, and unfortunate connection with the method she advertised and Maidono's misfortune, she started to pity the other girl.

Meanwhile Maidono was still upset, and even if she knew it was irrational, mere sight of Kuriba made her mad. Finally, they decided to proactively avoid one another to not set those old grudges ablaze again.

"You have one chance to explain to me what was so important-"

"I wanted to ask you what the hell did you do with Misaka Mikoto"

That got Maidono's attention. Or rather, it got bewilderment out of her.

"What do you mean?"

"I saw you... attack her night before. So I wanted to stop you if you were doing anything stupid... and save Misaka Mikoto if needed..."

"Wait, what the hell? What are you talking about?"

Maidono bent her index finger towards herself.

Kuriba's eyes widened as her back lost contact with the wall, her body slowly moving forward through the air towards Maidono.

Then telekinesis user straightened her index finger, which stopped Kuriba in place.

She was now hanging two meters above the ground, floating in the air just in front of Maidono.

"Now... what was that?"

"You don't remember... anything?" Kuriba asked in surprise"

"Why would I ever attack Misaka Mikoto? Sure, we had a little battle in the past, but it's all good now. I wouldn't have a reason to do that!"

"But I am sure what I saw. You took her back then"

"Back when? I remember perfectly well that I was... I was..." Maidono trailed off.

It was true that she woke up in the alley half an hour ago or so. That in itself should be concerning, but she assumed she felt sick or something, and was about to see a doctor.

The last thing she remembered was...

(FLASHBACK)

Two young kids, a boy and a girl in primary school age, were trying to lift small rocks by the edge of the playground.

"You are doing it wrong!"

"No, I am not"

"Yes, you do!"

"You can't just lift it without a gesture" girl retorted

"But you do it like you are trying to push it. It looks stupid" boy pointed out the widely opened palms of the girl

"This rock doesn't like you"

"How can it not like me, it's a rock! And even if it could, it does like me!"

"It does not!"

"Does too!"

"Does not!"

"Does-

"Sorry, sorry..." the children heard the voice and noticed Maidono smiling to them" I don't mean to bother you, but I couldn't help overhearing. You two are telekinesis users?"

One could be surprised how many telekinesis users were in the city. It was one of the most widespread abilities, although most people never left level 1 or level 2.

"W-Well..." girl replied shyly" We are trying... but he is doing it all wrong"

"I do not"

"You do-"

"Well, I just happen to be a telekinesis user too." Maidono crouched down and winked to them" And I believe I can help. You see, you both have good ideas... but you are also wrong"

She addressed the boy.

"Trying to move something without a gesture to help you is possible, but extremely difficult. And I wouldn't advise that, because it lacks precision. But I have to congratulate you on your ambition"

She then turned to a girl.

"When you use entire surface of your hands to direct the pressure, you are pushing it, so it will stay on the ground. Try focusing your ability in one point of your hand, like a tip of your index finger. You too. Just try, and visualize the rock being pulled upwards"

For a moment, nothing happened. But then... then...

"It's going up!"

Sloppily but surely, two rocks were wobbling up.

"You are doing great! Keep trying to lift heavier stuff, and you will be better in no time"

As Maidono was about to leave, the children protested.

"You are old..."

"Ekhm... I think you mean 'older', that stung you know..."

"... so you must be strong! Can you lift bigger rock? Or my schoolbag?"

"Show us something cool"

"Well, I probably really shouldn't..."

"PLEAAAAASE!"

Hasako always told her not to show off, but how could she say no with a dedicated audience. Besides, aside from people who cared for her, she had nothing save her ability. She could let loose a little.

"You see that building?"

She pointed at distant building, at the edge of the park

"Yeah? You need to go there for something to lift? I can lend you something, onee-chan"

Maidono felt herself smiling involuntarily. It was the end of working day, and all the lights in the building were out. Well, tomorrow they will have a small power problem. But she was to hyped to care now.

"No, I am good. Just enjoy the show, squirts"

She reached forward with her finger and focused.

After a moment, a rumble permeated the ground.

And...

CRUUUNCH! RIIIP!

The building slowly rose up in the air, high enough to be visibly floating, dozens of floors glittering in the light of setting sun.

Maidono smiled. This sensation never got old for her.

Jaws of two kids dropped. The boy collapsed backwards on his butt.

After a moment of building going up and down, Maidono placed it very gently in its place, making sure it was stable and wouldn't collapse.

"Ta-dah!"

"That... was... AMAZING!" the girl cried.

"I want to do that! I don't want to lift boring old rocks" the boy wasn't far behind.

"Hey, hey, slow down" Maidono put hand on their shoulders."I am a pretty... extreme case, in many ways. Trust me, you don't want to get this power the way I did. But if you promise me you will be training hard, one day, you will get super strong. Even I started with pebbles, so there is nothing wrong with that"

The pair thought about it, before smiling at her.

"Sure, onee-chan. I will work super hard to be as strong as you one day"

"Good luck"

"And as pretty" the girl added.

That completely threw Maidono off.

"I-I am not pretty. I have friends who look way better than I do"

"I still love how you look. And that flower in your hair is so beautiful"

The boy examined Maidono's exposed belly and poked it.

"Do you hide rocks in here too?" he said, referring to Maidono's abbs under otherwise smooth and soft skin.

"Very funny. And this flower is from my friend. She is really good with nature, and she often gives me various gifts like that" Maidono checked the time" Well, I think it's high time for you to go home. Curefew is beginning. Do you want me to walk you home?"

"No, we live in a dorm just around the corner"

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah. See you aroun, super strong onee-chan"

As they left, Maidono checked her belly.

"Did it really get that hard? I suppose I should stop with-"

(END FLASHBACK)

"And then... nothing" Maidono whispered to herself" I thought I lost consciousness on my way home... but now it's way earlier than then. So the period when I was out of it was... very long..."

She turned to Kuriba Ryouko, feeling lost.

"What the hell is going on?"

"I was hoping you will explain yourself. But... you are suffering from some case of amnesia?"

"I...I don't know..."

"Also... can you maybe put me down now?"

Maidono twitched her index finger absentmindedly, and invisible hold on her body disappeared. Kuriba fell on her feet, her artificial parts aching slightly.

"I attacked Misaka Mikoto? How... and why?" Maidono started to pace around" What happened to me?"

She looked at her own hands, with terror on her face.

"What exactly did I do?"

(MEANWHILE)

Mitsuari Ayu was chased down the street by a crowd.

It was an ordinary crowd of people. Nothing remarkable about it.

It started out of the blue, and for some reason targeted her.

She took control of few of them, and caused them to leave the chase, but it was a droplet in the sea, and she didn't have a heart of turning people against one another, if they were innocent bystanders.

She had better stamina than Shokuhou Misaki, not to brag, but she could not go like this forever.

She hid behind the corner, hoping the unexpected mob would pass her by. She activated ways to deceive their senses, but it was only temporary solution.

"What is going on?" she whispered.

(IN DISTRICT 10 CREMATORY)

Kamijou Touma should really, really, really know better.

He should not make promises he could not keep, especially once involving luck and chance.

This feeling of stupidity permeated as the world tilted sideways. He could hear Helcalia's scream and feel sharp pain in his liver, as his body struck the ground painfully.

Ten minutes or earlier, nothing indicated any tragedy happening.

(10 MINUTES EARLIER, IN THE SAME LOCATION)

Academy City's crematory / morgue was one more place in Touma's mind that would go to list of creepy locations that he didn't want to visit ever again.

The fact that it was open was first indication something was wrong. No one in sight, either.

"That's weird" Naru said, spinning around, and looking at every corner." There supposed to be a guard here or someone like that."

"Maybe it's a trap, and they want us to just walk into it" Yakumaru whispered, as they stood before giant doors, looking like an entrance to the bank vault" Well, not happening. Naru, stay here and watch"

"Suresy" Naru saluted and remained by the door.

The rest stepped inside.

"Why are walls and door so sturdy and thick?" Touma asked Yakumaru.

She sighed.

"Sometimes, it really shows that you are not tainted by darkness. Which is... cute, but think about it. What is one of the most valuable things to steal from Academy City?"

Touma thought for a moment, before answering.

"Something specific to this city... technology?"

"Well, yes, but also... esper powers themselves. Or rather, biological details that are connected with them"

Touma and Helcalia, who was walking arm to arm with him, stopped.

"Are you saying that it's so fortified to..."

"... keep others from stealing secrets of esper development from dead bodies? Yup. There is a period of time after death where people with right equipment could still get what they wanted. This is why it's all so fortified. And why it should be more guarded..."

"That's... deeply disturbing"

"Welcome to the darkness, shittiest reality ever."

They were in a long, metallic hall, in the hue of dark silver. There was a gallery running over the sides of the walls. And below it, upon descending the stairs, were rows of metal tables. Dozens of them, stretching in even pattern, illuminated only by the orange hue of light from the far side of the hall.

"Let's go" Yakumaru said" I don't want to be here longer than we need to"

They went down and started walking through the rows of tables. It was cool here, enough to keep the bodies from spoiling, Touma assumed.

Most of the tables were empty, but some had bodies under the covers.

Touma wondered who were those people. In Academy City, majority of the population was young, so people didn't die left and right. Were those all dark siders? But dark side was supposed to be compromised. Did Handcuffs failed to eliminate it completely? He knew that was quite possible.

Or maybe those were victims of some experiments? Child Errors? Victims of some chaotic accident he had no knowledge of?

How many of them could he save, but failed to do so, because he was only human, and couldn't be everywhere at once?

He shook of those unpleasant thoughts, as they walked through the rows of the dead.

"I will go look in this section. You go closer to the oven"

Oven appeared to be the source of the glow at the end of the hall. The air grew hotter, and Touma could see the blazing flames below them.

He realized that those closest to the oven were probably ones meant to be burned with greatest priority.

"I think..." came Yakumaru's voice" I found a spot where someone could be placed a while back. I will do a check with my chemicals, but to actually verify it... some kind of database record would be useful"

Touma wondered if he could ask Uiharu for help, when he felt Helcalia jolt a little by his side.

She stifled a sneeze, her eyes watering a little from the foul-smelling smoke that seemed to fill the air around the oven.

Apparently, she was determined to be quiet for as long as she could, even if she appeared bothered and a bit uneasy.

"Sorry. It's the smoke..." she muttered in broken japanese" Also... me... not like... really... this place"

As a matter of fact, Touma also didn't want to stand near blazing heat and surrounded by irritating smoke that smelled too much like a burned flesh.

They stepped away, as he hugged her a little for a moment.

"Trust me, I don't like this either. This whole place" he looked at the sterile and cold hall, feeling incredibly small. It was as if merely standing there was taking away his vitality" gives me bad vibes. But we are about to be out of here-"

Helcalia smiled, looking at him.

"Mhm"

Then, her eyes widened, as she noticed a glimmer in the darkness.

Few things happened quickly one after another.

Touma noticed Helcalia's distress, and turned far enough to see the reflection of the light from the weapon.

"Get out of the way!" they both screamed, in english and japanese.

Helcalia tried to push Touma away, but he refused, knowing that if he was out of the way, she would receive the shot.

Still, her effort caused him to lose his balance a little.

The pistol discharged.

The pain and recoil of his bullet-struck body arrived all at once, as the projectile hit him in mid-flight, in the area of the liver.

"Aggh!"

His body struck the ground.

He heard Helcalia, who also tumbled to the ground, cry in distress.

"HE WAS SHOT!"

Yakumaru, who was already running the moment shot was heard, did not have to understand english to get the picture.

The sniper in the darkness tried to aim once more, but Helcalia shielded Touma.

She was shaking from fear like a leaf, but shouted in a trembling voice

"N-No-No! I w-w-w-won't let you!"

Sniper did not get another chance. He dodged and scurried away, as Yakumaru throwed vials at him, their contents sizzling after breaking the glass.

"I just realized my damn feelings, you are not killing him, this is not happening, get back here" she yelled angrily.

After time that seemed like an eternity, Helcalia felt Naru grab her and gently move aside.

"I can do decent first aid with my ability. Maybe we can save him if we are fast enough"

As she got her paper resources up, Yakumaru came back running, with her cute face scrunched in anger.

"He just vanished. Main door was supposed to be the only-"

She paused, looking at Naru.

"What are you doing here?"

"What do you mean? I heard him being shot and Calia-chan screaming, and before I knew it, my body was moving"

"But if you are here, then the door-"

There was a heavy, screetching, ominous sound coming from the entrance.

"Oh no..."

(MEANWHILE)

"Think... think... think... ugggh..." Maidono screamed in frustration" It just doesn't add up. I can't make sense of any of these. Why my memory is so fuzzy. Why would I do all of that? I would never do that. What if... what if I hurt Hasacchi too? Or Touma?"

Her heart could as well turn into a block of eyes, as she tried not to panic about the whereabouts of those two.

"Can I suggest something?" Kuriba Ryouko said cautiously.

Maidono stopped her pacing, shooting the cyborg researcher a glare.

"What is it, cow?"

"Do you know of Mill's Method of Difference?" Kuriba cleared her throat and cited" If an instance in which the phenomenon under investigation occurs, and an instance in which it does not occur, have every circumstance save one in common, that one occurring only in the former; the circumstance in which alone the two instances differ, is the effect, or cause, or an indispensable part of the cause, of the phenomenon."

"I am really not in the mood for riddles, Cruella de Vil. What do you mean?"

"It's an inductive reasoning. I am trying to help you. Simply put, think about you before the memory gap and you now? Do you notice any difference? Something that could give you a clue to your... strange behaviour"

Maidono frowned and looked at her reflection in the nearest window. After a moment, she stomped her feet on the ground.

"This is pointless. I look exactly the same. Same clothes, same face, same hair, sa-"

She paused, and reached to her hair.

"My flower... it's missing"

"Flower?"

"Yeah, I was given a living flower as an accessory. Hasako said it would wilt in a few days, but still thought I will look pretty with it, so I had it in my hair. I like when she smiles at things she makes me wear"

"She gave you that flower?"

"Yeah. She often gives me stuff like that. It had to be from her, who else could..."

Maidono suddenly stopped, realization dawning on her.

She remained silent for a couple of long moments.

And with each passing second, her face got darker and grimmer.

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

"M-Maidono-san?"

The loose bottles on the ground and emergency ladders on the walls started to tremble, before curling upwards like wet clay.

Maidono slowly turned around with cold eyes.

Kuriba felt her ears pop slightly.

The pressure in the area changed.

A raw telekinetic power, only emitted in most intense anger, was settling on the alley, as ground beneath Maidono cracked and nearby trashcan folded into itself like a can of soda.

"Kuriba-san..." Maidono spoke quietly" As much as I dislike you, you have my thanks. I owe you debt. Now... I have things to deal with."

She took a step forward.

Kuriba stepped in front of her.

"What do you intend to do?"

Maidono's expression barely changed.

"Out of my way"

Kuriba felt her body slide to the side against her will, as Maidono slowly walked past her.

"And as for what I am about to do... it's simple really..." she said in a tone of icy coldness.

She stepped onto the street, forcibly parting the traffic in front of her, before narrowing her eyes.

"I am going to find one who made me hurt my friends... and make them regret it"

She walked forth in a dark, focused fury, in a straight line, swatting away or floating over obstacles in relentless march towards her destination... wherever or whoever that was.

Kuriba Ryouko wiped cold sweat from her brow, letting out a deep exhale.

"Always a pleasure..." she whispered, trying to calm her breathing.

She made Maidono Hoshimi realize the identity of person who somehow manipulated her. She was sure of that.

And whoever that was, in that moment, they found themselves being the focus of wrath of the most powerful telekinesis user in the world .

(MEANWHILE)

"No! The doors!"

Yakumaru and Naru were running, leaving Helcalia to tend to Touma.

But they were to late. There was no chance they would make it. They knew it, but they had to try.

"They didn't want to trap us simply by leaving those doors open. They wanted to do something inside, drastic enough to lure us in, because we wouldn't expect it, and then close the door. You just had to follow your heart, didn't you?!"

She shot Naru an angry look, but there was no time for animosity now.

The heavy doors were closing. Slowly but steadily, the exit was getting smaller.

"No... we have to make it... no!"

It was so close...

But it was not enough.

50 meters.

It was getting smaller... and smaller...

40 meters.

Smaller... and smaller...

20 meters

Dashing upwards to the gallery...

10 meters...

"NO!"

The heavily fortified doors closed, various locking mechanisms clicking, just as the two of them reached them.

"Damn it!" Naru slammed her fist into the door.

They were stuck inside. The extremely durable doors shut tightly, like the lid being put on the coffin, confining them within depths of the crematory.

(TO BE CONTINUED)

And here we go for now. Wow, this was absolutely massive. Sorry about that, I planned to have it shorter, but than I couldn't rationally divide it, given what's about to come. Still, I hope you had a good time and expect what's going to happen next. We will have story from Vasilisa and some of enlightening details of why she's doing what's she doing. And of course, there is Touma's group locked up in a dreary crematory, and yet another group trying to find Vasilisa on their own lead. Big things are upon us, you shall see.

Just a few things as my post writing reflections:

I had the time to write few interactions I really wanted to showcase. Rikuri, Enka, and Kaira - for showcasing Enka fully moving on from his past love interest to current one, Kaibi and Noukan - about dark side and Touma, and finally, Touma and Takitsubo - a pair rarely talked about in context of talking to one another, wrongly in my opinion, because Takitsubo is one of the few girls who cane be friends with Touma without falling in love with him, and also because they share more experiences than others often realize, even if those experiences pushed them on somewhat different paths. I also really like the moment between Touma and Youen, I think this progression may go on nicely.

About B.I.N.D - V, and capturing of Misaka and Shokuhou - for the longest time, ever since I read about Accelerator designing his own cell, an idea about Academy City, perhaps in Aleister's times, working on confinement countermeasure for level 5s. It grew in my mind, until I thought 'maybe let's give it a try'. It's half joke, half serious, as I really tried to think what would counter three female level 5s (I also thought about possible Mugino countermeasure, which is hinted in the chapter, but not explicitly explained). Of course, all of those cells work only if you capture level 5 in a first place. And this is where I want to stress the fact, that I don't believe any level 5 would get themselves straight out captured in actual fight. But the captures in this chapter were meant to showcase that with all that enormous power, at the end of the day they are still human, have vices and weaknesses (more specifically, in this chapter, pride for Mikoto and gluttony for Shokuhou), and can fall prey to ambush if the opponent is clever enough.

And a new player - Helcalia. Well, if you are surprised, I wouldn't blame you. I am aware that GT4 is quite infamous for a few reasons, at least from reactions I recall when it came out. But I really liked Helcalia. Sure, she is not the best of the best, but she can be better. She has potential if you explore what happened in Los Angeles and build on it for her future personality development in regards to Touma. There can be lot of emotional trauma she can work to overcome, with Helcalia not wanting to lose Touma and being afraid of him, but having to learn to control that fear. As you know, there is a time gap between my story and current canon storyline. Helcalia is a bit older here, and can be expected to be more mature than what we saw in GT4, while still being child-like on occasions. Also, I love the motif of wedding in space, there is just something very unique about it, and as far as I am concerned, I planned for Helcalia to be last of Touma's routes in their adulthood, with everyone grown up. For now, let's just say I have more in store for her. I hope it will make her more of a likeable and sympathetic character in your eyes. I just want to say - Helcalia is Index's rejected design, just like Ayu is Misaki's. And Ayu turned out to be incredibly powerful and valuable character, so why not give Helcalia such a chance, even if only in fanfic format?

As for Kamijou Shimitsu, I spent a lot of time working on backstories, appearances, personalities, and abilities of the children of Kamijou Touma. Shimitsu was one of my favourites when I designed her power, because I thought not only it would be cool to have esper power concerned with strong interaction, and by extension with radioactivity, but it would be a connection between Shimitsu and Shizuri, as both of their abilities stem from fundamental forces of nature, strong interaction and electromagnetism respectively. I actually read whole book about quantum chromodynamics for research, and there is something super inspiring about color charge.

As I said, there will be lot more to come about Vasilisa and her motivations. There is a link between her and Touma, but it is not purely about Touma himself...

Oh yeah, and we get to see Maidono snap. No one likes to be manipulated, and she will not take it lightly, trust me. Also, guest appearance from Kuriba Ryouko, who gets ragdolled... cyborgs of Academy City have worst of luck to just run in front of Maidono's way. But I think Maidono's reason to dislike Kuriba is not rational, but signal-slide method is useful in cybernetics, so a chance Kuriba, leading expert in field of cyborgs, would make it more popular, is high... Also, I think ever since teaching Amazora, Maidono developed a softer spot for kids, hence she tries to help them with their abilty growth.

I think crematory is one of the places with the eeriest ambiance that appeared in the story so far. It's meant to be creepy yet calm at the same time. A very vivid image that makes one shudder.

And... I think that's it for now. Until next time. See you around, you are awesome!