Chapter 17: The Declaration of Faith and Friendship

At Amano's Household

10:10 AM

Rea Amano was vacuuming the living room floor slowly when she remembered the discussion she had with her son's friends and what they said to her.

F

After Rea explained the situation between her and ex-husband. "So, that's the reason, your husband...correction your ex-husband was a money spender," Yuno confirmed. "Sounds like to me he's got a spending addiction."

Rea didn't reply to that which Uiharu noticed and curiosity took over. "If what you're saying is true, why did you get your husband some help?"

Rea turned her head while placing her right hand on her arm with a faint look of shame. "I tried...but, no matter what, he kept spending money. I even tried to convince him to go to therapy and he still wouldn't listen to me." Her lips curled like she wanted to cry. "Honestly, it's been a few months since my husband and I divorced...I can only imagine how much this has hurt Yuki."

"You got that right," Yuno whispered in a muttering tone.

Rea heard her but didn't quite hear the words that left the girl's mouth. "Never mind, I can say this, if you truly love Yukki as you say you do. Then try to talk to him about your feelings about your family situation."

"C'mon, Yuno, that's not your call. This isn't our business," Kikyou scolded.

Yuno ignored the other woman's words. "Do you think Yukiteru will have a peaceful mind if he keeps pondering that his parents keep avoiding each other?"

Rea let out a small gasp, but, before she could get a word out Kikyou stepped in. "That's enough...Yuki's family business isn't our decision to make..." She had a look of seriousness in her eyes. "However, Ms. Amano..." She then looked at Yuki's mother. "I'm certain you care for your son and that it must hurt that you and your family are separate due to your divorce. But, if you think you can work the courage to talk to your son so you guys can work something out to put this family situation behind you then do what you must."

"I guess that's true," Uiharu gave Ms. Amano a serious expression. "Although it's not our decision to make, it's clear that you must make a choice not just for yourself but for Yuki."

F

"Oh Yuki..." Rea said with a sad look.

Knock Knock

Rea turned her head toward the front door. "I wonder who could that be." She turned off the vacuum and opened the door and saw who was standing there. "Kikyou, Uiharu, Accelerator, Last Order, Kuroko, and Itsuwa...what can I do for you guys?"

Kikyou thought over this approach. "We would like to help you with some chores if you don't mind."

"Well, actually, we can just go shopping, I'm just about done with the chores for the day," Mrs. Amano said.

Kikyou didn't expect this but, as long as they were keeping an eye on Yuki's mother, it should be no problem. "Very well, we can do a good shopping today."

At the Sakurami City Tower

Taoru was making his way up the observation deck on the upper level of the tower. "It seems the time will be here soon." He had a hidden smile on his face. "Too bad that Marco and Ai's time will have to end here." Three images of Index, Orsola, and Saten popped into his mind. "Damn it, why am I thinking about those brats?" He began to wonder if Kamijou saved the three girls. "Perhaps, I should get some dirt on those three girls, they know about Kamijou than any of us."

Marco and Ai were dressed in their newlywed outfits. "Wow, you look hot, Ai."

"T-thanks...you look like a prince."

Both were blushing red and tender looks on their faces before they could seal their vows, Marco's cell phone rang. "Ugh...what does Taoru want?" He opened his phone and put it to his ear. "What is it?" After a few minutes of talking with his comrade, he had a frustrated yet disbelieving look. "Are you serious, you want us to have a chat with those punk brats?"

"I think it's obvious we can find out the weakness of that Kamijou kid and his friends. That said, we can learn something useful that'll help defeat Kamijou and his friends." Taoru replied.

Marco gave a low grunt but reluctantly decided to go with this. "Very well, Ai, let's go wake our guests."

A short time later, the 7th pair gathered the three girls and put them on one of the benches in the aisle.

"Hey, hey, you brats, wake up!" Marco yelled.

Orsola, Index, and Saten began to open their eyes their vision was blurry for a while until they saw who was in front of them.

"Hey, you two are the jerks that tried to hurt our friends!" Index pointed out.

Marco felt offended by that statement but Ai stopped him. "For the record, little girl, we're known as the 7th Pair."

Saten rubbed her head. "Yeah, we know who you are, I take that you guys were the ones that kidnapped us?"

Marco kept his cool for the time being. "No...one of our allies did the kidnapping. I take it that you three are friends with that scrawny punk and the railgun girl, right?"

Index gave the cone-haired man a puffed cheek look. "Hey, that scrawny punk you're talking about is my friend Touma Kamijou!"

"And the railgun girl is my friend Mikoto Misaka!" Saten concluded.

Marco gave a scoff. "I'm aware of their names...but, let me ask you this, what makes Kamijou and Misaka so special?"

Orsola gave the 7th holder a questionable look. "What do you mean by that?"

Ai decided to answer that. "What Marco is trying to say is that what makes Touma and Misaka want the help someone even if they are weaklings like 1st."

Orsola's expression was replaced with a hard stare. "Weakling...I'm guessing you're referring to Yukiteru Amano. Well, I admit Yuki doesn't have much confidence in himself, but regardless, he's still our friend."

Marco gritted his teeth the moment he heard the word "friend". "Yeah, Yuki is still learning what he needs to do to survive through this sick game," Saten spoke getting the 7th pair to look at her.

Index became distracted when she sensed something off about the 7th pair. "Wait, why am I sensing magic from them?"

Marco glared at the middle school girl. "Bullshit...friendship is nothing more than crap...just stupid things kids come up with!" His voice was so loud it almost shook Saten to her core.

"Geez, such a downer," Index muttered.

"I don't know why that stupid scrawny punk cares for people...I bet he does it because he enjoys feeling pity for those who are innocent!" Marco berated. "As far as I can tell he's just a dumbass brat who is just a nobody!"

"Wrong..." Orsola spoke getting Marco's attention. "Touma isn't the kind of person that would save or help someone out of pity..."

Ai was suddenly intrigued but didn't show it.

"That's right..." Index said giving the cone-haired man a serious look. "I did ask him why he helps people and fights bad guys...but, he told me he does for himself...in other words, I think it just makes Touma happy to help someone regardless if that person asked for help or not."

"Same goes for Misaka..." Saten stares at Marco. "Misaka helps people just as the same as Kamijou does. If it wasn't for Touma, Misaka would've died!"

Ai and Marco let out a small gasp as their eyes widen. "Misaka was about to do something that would've ended her life and Kamijou stepped in and helped her even though she didn't ask him!"

Marco began to grit his teeth like the words that leaving the girls' mouths were getting to him. Ai was somehow intrigued by this but didn't show it.

"And...if you think Touma and Misaka saved Yuno and Yuki out of pity...then think again...they help people because it makes them happy to see the smiling faces upon the people they helped..." Orsola continued with a serious look. "The point we're making is that you think friends are nothing more than BS to you. But, perhaps you don't want to believe that friends are worth keeping around because of the trauma you and Ai went through."

Ai gasped as her eyes widen remembering the high school bastards that raped her. For some reason, she had a sudden question herself. "Let me ask you this, what would you girls have done if you were badly injured and Touma wasn't there to protect you but still saved you in the end, wouldn't he still feel bad that he couldn't protect you?"

Marco's anger went away as he glanced at his girlfriend with a slightly surprised look.

Orsola decided to answer that. "If Touma couldn't protect me, he would still keep fighting..." Ai's eyes widen a little. "No matter how rough things get, Touma would never back down or give into despair, he would still keep fighting."

Saten smiled a little. "Same goes for Misaka...plus she and Touma have us to help them, that's what true friends do, they look out for each other when they need to."

Marco clenched his hand tightly and his teeth grinded against each other glaring at the girls. "I heard of enough of this bullshit...lock them, Ai. I need to do some thinking..."

Ai didn't say a word but did what she was told and brought the three girls back into the nearby office. "Friends...are worth having around." She began to remember her brief time with Tsubaki. She knew that Tsubaki was a lonely girl that experienced pain as she did and the fact that she was also raped like she was and felt sympathy toward her. Touma's image came to her mind. "That boy...managed to save so many people while...Marco couldn't..." Flashing images of her on the Sakurami Tower in a blanket and seeing Marco's shameful and regrettable look began to break her heart. "Marco..."

She never told this to Marco, but, whenever he looked at her, she could tell he felt so much pain after he couldn't protect her from being raped. Index slightly glanced at the young woman noticing her hurtful expression. "Is she about to cry?"

Marco stood by the window. "Damn it..." He clenched his left hand tightly. "Those punks..." An image of himself as a young teenage boy flashed in his head remembering the high school bastards that raped his girlfriend and the pain he felt on not being able to protect Ai strained his heart. "So, the little bastard can move on even if the people he saved still took a beaten from his enemies...we'll see about that..."

Just then they heard the sound of the elevator. "Well, looks like they're arriving."

In the elevator, Yukiteru and his friends including his father ponder what their next move will be.

"Let's review the plan," Tsuchimikado said. "I'll be searching for our friends while you four take on the 7th pair and Mr. Amano will remain with me."

Yuno had other ideas. "I don't like those three girls, but, perhaps we can trade them back to us by handing over that bastard..." She was referring to Yuki's father.

Yukiteru caught Yuno's look knew what she was thinking and walked close to her ear. "Yuno...if you can't hand over my father to 7th." Yuno glanced at her crush. "We can't just ignore the 7th's request...otherwise, they might get killed."

Even though Yuno's words did make sense, Yukiteru still wasn't going to let this go on. "Yuno, do you plan to use my father as a bargaining chip? Knowing Touma and Misaka, they could handle the 7th pair but..." Just then Aiho's words came to his mind. "If you think you can overcome your limits, then keep fighting." He looked at his hand. "So far, I just hid behind my friends and Yuno like shields...Touma and Misaka risked their lives to save Yuno and me from the 7th...all I did was hesitate like a coward."

Taoru was done placing the bombs. "It'll be time soon..." He looked at the clock on his cellphone. "Almost time to blow this puppy to the ground."

"Oh, I wouldn't be so sure..." Taoru turned around and saw Vector behind him, but before he could react, his comrade put his hand and felt a strange energy take over his mind. "I think we'll make sure we get more time for the 7th pair and their enemies to put on a good show."

In the office above the second observation deck.

Yoshino was putting a box in the small closet. "It'll be time for 7th's final fight."

Yukiteru and his friends arrived at the chapel area and on the other side was the 7th pair.

Marco was back to acting cool and calm despite how he might've felt a little while ago. "I see that you finally showed up especially you...1st."

Touma glared at the 7th holder. "Marco!" He clenched his hands tightly. "Where are our friends!?"

Marco smirked. "Well, you still have spunk...I admit you got my respect, Kamijou."

"Don't change the subject, answer that idiot's question!" Misaka demanded.

Marco's smirk didn't leave his face but he was seemingly impressed. "I see that your little girlfriend Zapper has spunk in her too."

Kurou then began to walk toward the couple. "I heard that you have three of my son's friends here, right?"

Marco began to walk slowly toward Mr. Amano. "Yes, but, don't worry, they're fine, but, we won't hand them over so easily." Placing his right hand on the man's shoulder. "First...I need to give you this!" In a split second, he punched Kurou in the stomach causing him to fall to the ground in pain.

"Father!" Yukiteru cried in shock.

"That's a dirty trick, you bastard!" Touma shouted.

"Don't worry yourself punk, I need this old man alive for some dirt on 11th." Marco walked to the middle of the aisle while Ai went over to put the unconscious father on the left side of the altar out of harm's way.

Tsuchimikado remained calm as he gazed in Ai's direction. "Well, I admit, that chick looks nice in that outfit." He thought with a smirk. He could sense some magic energy coming from a nearby office. "I guess that's where our friends are being held, however, I can't let those two see me...so, Yukiteru and the others will have to keep them busy." He observed the couple and felt something off about them. "Strange, they seem to have some strong magic energy. It seems they required a magic power, but, how is that possible?" He dismissed the thought.

"Anyway, as much as I want to kill you brats so much, I would rather see if 1st has the balls to save his stupid old man and see if Kamijou and his girlfriend are capable of saving their friends." He tossed his jacket off ready to brawl.

Yukiteru felt utterly scared but he had to stay strong to save his father and his friends. "Don't you hurt my father!" He began to swing his arms widely.

Marco lifted his hand and pink-red flames ignited from his palm. "Burning Love: Flame Ball!" He tossed the flame at the 1st holder.

"Yuki look out!" Yuno called.

Touma didn't waste a second and got in front of the other teenage boy and put his right hand out canceling the flame ball. This stunned Marco.

Ai was just as stunned as her boyfriend was "How did he..."

"So, you learned to use magic..." Touma said lifting his head glaring at the cone-haired man.

Misaka gave a challenging look as she lifted her hand gathering electricity. "Well, I guess this will be fun after all." More electricity surged around carefully so as not to affect Yuki and Yuno's Diaries. "Lightning Spear!" She tossed a lightning-like spear at Marco.

Ai began to chat a few words just as the green magic barrier shielded her boyfriend from being hit. "Looks like my Enchantment spells have worked."

Marco grinned. "I knew I could count on you, baby."

"How are they able to use magic?" Yukiteru thought in disbelief but quickly shook his fear. "No, I have to try to get the father out of harm's way, but, 7th isn't going to let me walk past...and I can't just leave those two to fight them alone." He clenched his hands and looked at Yuno. "Yuno, let's help them, you're a fast runner, once I give you the signal, run and get my father...please."

Yuno didn't like her crush's old man but went along with it. "Sure..."

"Touma...Misaka...I'll help you guys...I know I've been relying on you two too much, so, it's time I repay you two for helping me," Yukiteru said trying to act brave.

Marco could tell that the 1st diary holder was trying to act brave, but he was impressed a little to know that he was willing to fight beside his friends. "Well, let's settle this with our fists!"

Touma, Misaka, and Yukiteru charged at Marco.

Marco just smirked confidently as Ai began to enchant more magic to her boyfriend. "Power Up..." A red glow began to enlighten her boyfriend's body. "Ai, I can feel your love giving me power. I love you, Ai." He put his spread his arms apart. "Burning Love: Flaming Burst!" He brought his hands together releasing a fire sphere.

Touma stood in front without a second thought cancelling the magic attack. Marco smirked and didn't leave his face as he quickly vanished and reappeared in front of Touma, delivering a punch to his stomach.

"Touma!" Yukiteru called.

"Don't worry about me, keep focusing on the fight!" Touma groaned in pain while holding his stomach.

"Like hell, I will let you get past me!" Marco grabbed hold of Yukiteru's head. "I figured you had some spunk, but, you're still not strong to fight someone twice your size."

"Let go of my man!" Yuno jumped tossing her knife at Marco's face but it bounced off. "What the hell?"

"Ai also placed a barrier around me to protect me from pathetic moves like that..." Marco summarized.

"Oh yeah, take this!" Misaka took an iron whip and swung it at Marco.

Once the whip managed to land a hit on Marco's body, he seemingly didn't feel it. "Nice try, but, this protective barrier that's been placed on me protects me from taking much damage. "It figures that I'm stronger than any pathetic brats like you."

"Spare me your bullcrap..." Touma slowly began to lift himself. "I don't care if you or Ai have some magic power...my friends will be safe once we defeat you two." He stood up despite the punch he took in the stomach. "Honestly, you and Ai were causing trouble in Academy City, my friends and I would still stop you from harming anyone!"

"Touma..." Yukiteru murmured astonished.

Yuno hated to admit but she was impressed with Touma dedication.

"That's right..." Misaka growled gathering more electricity in her hand. "You can keep acting like you and Ai are invisible with your love, but, it's not going to save you from the beating we shall give you!"

Marco took offense to the remark. "You dare insult the love that Ai and I share for each other!" A vicious glare took place on his face. "Bring it on you punks!" He threw his right fist at Touma, but he quickly bent down due to his reflexes. "What?" Marco muttered in surprise.

Yukiteru saw his chance and headbutted Marco in the stomach as best he could causing the older man to cough out a little.

"Marco!" Ai yelled in concern.

"Keep an eye for your enemy!" Yuno tossed her knife startling Ai which seemingly grazed her cheek causing her magic ability to lose its effect briefly. "That does it..." The other 7th user took out her own knives and tossed them at Yuno, who was still in the air from her jump and defenseless.

"Nice try!" Misaka used her powers to gather some iron and place it in the air like a shield blocking the knives.

"Oh no!" Ai yelled.

Misaka didn't waste her time and took out her iron whip and whipped Ai's feet causing her to fall back.

"You bitch!" Marco suddenly got up and thanks to his enchanted speed, he was able to get in front of the middle school girl in a split second and grab her by the neck. "You will pay for that!"

Suddenly a small pebble was through at his face dealing a little damage but released Misaka and he turned around to see Touma threw the pebble. "You bastard..." He cursed and pulled back his right arm. "I will make sure you punk burn to help!"

Touma charged pulling back his right arm too. "Huah!" He yelled.

"Burning Love: Fiery Punch!" Marco threw his flaming fist but Touma quickly ducked down.

Touma quickly made his move resuming his attack and punched Marco right in the chest. "Ugh!" Marco coughed out salvia.

"Wow, what a blow," Yukiteru thought impressed.

"I will not be allowed to lose to some punks like you!" Marco proclaimed looking pissed off.

"We're not just some punks..." Touma glared at him. "We're people that risking our lives to help save our friends and protect Yuki's father from bastards like you and Ai! Someone like you who thinks Yukiteru's father is pathetic makes me realize that you don't understand what a son's love for his father is like!"

Marco gritted his teeth as his blood boiled with fury. "I WILL NOT LISTEN TO ANY MORE OF YOUR HEROIC BULLSHIT!" He screamed. "I'LL BURN YOUR BELIEFS WITH THE LOVE AI AND I HAVE FOR EACH OTHER!"

"As admiring as you want to believe that your love will help through this hell...then you are naive as I thought..." Touma began to pull back his arm. "The only thing I'm seeing right now...is a pathetic sad and lonely bastard is angry because the world was unfair to you and Ai...instead you want to hide your feelings using your love as a coping mechanism!"

Marco was more pissed than he was before. "ARRGGH!" He roared in rage. "SHUT YOUR MOUTH KAMIJOU! I WILL NOT BE LECTURED BY TEENAGE PUNK LIKE YOU!"

"Scream all you want you arrogant bastard, its the truth and you know it!" Misaka said glaring at the man. "As Touma said, someone like you who doesn't understand the love that a child has for their parents isn't a man...you're just a sad pathetic lonely little baby!"

"SHUT UP!" Flames ignited from Marco's body which spread around like a crazy wild forest fire.

"If you won't listen to reason...then perhaps, I'll shatter that illusion right now!" Touma rushed toward Marco.

"Take this!" Marco threw his left arm releasing a stream of flames. "Burning Love: Fire Stream!" Touma put his right hand using to block the fire stream. "I will not let you stop this attack!" Marco kept his attack going which was burning through Touma's hand.

Suddenly a knife was thrown at his arm causing him to stop his attack. "Agh!" He yelped in pain and saw it was Yuno's doing. "Damn you!"

"We all go through hard times..." Touma resumed rushing at Marco and pulling back his hand despite the damage it took. "But, we must accept that we can't change of happened in our past...we must continue to live on and make what most of what we can and see what lives we can save!" He threw his fist forward slowly like it was in slow motion. "Allow me to shatter that illusion of yours to pieces!"

Touma's fist slammed into the adult man's cheeks, launching him in the air and landed on his back in pain seemingly knocking him out.

"You guys!" Tsuchimikado was carrying Index on his back while Orsola was carrying Saten on her back. "I see you four have been busy."

"Tsuchimikado, are they alright?" Touma asked.

"Yes, they are..." Orsola answered. "Also, Touma, thank you for saving us." There was a sweet smile on her face faintly blushing. This of course made Touma's face blush red.

"Yukiteru...Yuno, Misaka, you three were great too," Yukiteru smiled looking flattered.

Misaka felt happy to hear praise. "Uh...sure."

Yuno felt a little happy by the praise but didn't say a word.

The blonde magician Esper chuckled softly. "Anyway, let's get out of here...before..."

Just then the chapel began to shake violently. "What the hell?" Marco sat up awakened by the loud boom.

"Bad news Marco, time is up now..." Taoru's voice was heard over the speaker. "I shall raise this puppy to the ground."

"Crap, is this tower going to collapse?" Misaka cursed in disbelief.

Marco wasn't pleased by this. "Tsk...you punk." He muttered moving quickly he grabbed Mr. Amano using the last of his enchant speed that was barely left. "If you want 1st's father back follow us to the upper level!" Ai followed her boyfriend.

Everything started to blow up as Yukiteru felt the floor beneath him give away. "Yuki!" Yuno ran over to her crush grabbed his hand just in time and pulled him back up.

"Pant...pant...Yuno...thank you..." Yukiteru praised despite not looking at his stalker.

"Looks like those jerks took Mr. Amano," Misaka said.

"That's not the only problem, even when we save Yuki's father, we'll still be trapped inside the tower," Orsola reminded.

"I just sent Aiho a text to pick up in a helicopter...but she isn't answering back, so, we'll just hope we can find another way out of this place," Tsuchimikado said calmly.

Touma didn't like the situation much but he had to hope that somehow Aiho would show up in a helicopter or something. "Either way, let's follow Marco and Ai."

Yuno was ready to go. "Yes, but, this time we might have to slay them if we just let them go, they'll come after us again."

Before Yukiteru and Touma could protest, Tsuchimikado spoke. "I'm afraid Yuno has a point, normally getting blood on our hands isn't right, we might not have a choice."

'Either way, let's go!" Orsola said.

Yuno looked at her cellphone's entries. "According to my Diary, 7th is taking Yuki's father to the Second Observation Deck."

"So, we'll follow them there," Touma stated.

In another elevator, the 7th pair got dressed in their original outfits.

Ai was looking at her Diary. "I admit, that Kamijou guy knows how to cook the drama." For some reason, she couldn't get Touma's words out of her head including what his female friends said to her and Marco. "Guess that little man has positive influence that seems to bring out the inner strength in others." She put the thought aside for now. "Anyway, 1st and his friends are chasing us."

"Yeah, I figured they would," Marco said rubbing his cheek from the punch he had gotten. "That Kamijou bastard thinks he can judge me...I will show him that he's nothing but big-mouth punk."

"Why kill him and his friends, 1st and 2nd are our only targets?" Ai asked snapping her boyfriend out of his thought.

"That may be...but...well, I'm not sure. Although, 1st's pathetic mug makes my heart strain. But, it's clear he's learning to become a man." Marco said looking out the glass window. "Either way, this time no more playing, we're giving ten times of love which will help us defeat 1st and his stupid friends."

"Yeah..." Ai said faintly blushing placing her hand on the window revealing her wedding ring.

The 7th pair arrived on the deck and saw Yuno waiting for them holding a knife. "It's 2nd..." Marco looked around the deck. "Yeah, 1st...Kamijou...where are you and your friends?!"

"Sorry, but, I'm sitting this one out..." Yukiteru's voice was heard over the microphone. "As for Touma, he and his friends split, they were more concerned with each other than my father."

Marco's eyes twitched in disbelief. "You got to be kidding me...are you and Kamijou all talk after all?"

"C'mon on, don't tell me you can't take on a little girl like Yuno," Yukiteru continued almost in a taunting yet frightening tone.

"You punk...when even we gave you the time reflect on yourself...Kamijou...all that talk about friendship and love for parents was nothing more than a lie...you bastards!" Without thinking Marco rushed at Yuno, who did the same thing.

"Marco! The knife is aimed at your face from the right!" Ai warned holding her Diary.

"Okay!" Marco replied continuing to rush at Yuno.

Yuno took a swing with her knife but Marco caught it with his jaw and kicked the girl in the stomach.

Ai pinned the girl to the floor. "Look after this one while I deal with 1st..." Marco looked at his Diary once more. "I see, the broadcast room...that's where 1st is hiding...I'll catch him!"

Marco arrived in the room. "Show yourself you wussy!" He checked out and heard movement in a small closet. He slowly approached it quietly moving his hands at the doors. "Got ya!" Out of nowhere a blue snake lunged at him hissing viciously and bit his chest.

"AAAHHHHH!" Marco's scream alerted Ai.

"Marco, what's wrong?" She asked in shock upon hearing her man's scream.

"Surprise..." Yuno began to vanish into the air leaving a confused Ai. "What the hell just happened?" She asked.

"What happened is that this is your last performance..." The purpled-haired woman stood up and turned around to see Yoshino.

"Micheal, why are you here?" She demanded. "And what just happened to Marco?"

"Oh first off, my real name is Yoshino..." Hearing that revelation confused Ai. "Second, I think you should be worried about yourself...bitch..." Yoshino threw off his jacket. "As far as I can say you are no longer any use to us."

Ai didn't waste time with questions, she quickly tossed her knives at the former Casino owner. "Die!" But as soon as the knives made their mark, they quickly bounced off of Yoshino's body. "No...way..."

Yoshino smirked. "My turn..." He began to vastly transform into a petite lizardman. His tongue stuck out and his pants were still on and his hair too.

Ai was sweating in fear of what she was witnessing before her eyes. "What...are you?"

Yoshino smirked seeing the woman's fear. "I'm the last person you'll ever see...pity that Marco won't be here in time to save your ass!" He lunged at the woman grabbing hold of her arms and opening his jaw biting on her left shoulder but close to her neck.

"AAHHHHHHHH!" Ai screamed in agony with terror in her eyes.

Marco heard this and despite the bit he took on his chest. He quickly on his feet and ran out of the boardroom. "Ai!" He exited the room and saw his girlfriend being bitten. "What the hell are you doing to Ai, you freak!" He rushed toward the stairway but then someone approached him from behind however before he could turn a bullet was shot through his back to his chest.

The shot from the bullet caused Marco to tumble over and slide down to the bottom of the staircase. "Ai..." He lifts his head but tries to fight back the pain.

Yoshino removed his sharp teeth from Ai's neck causing blood to spurt out all over the spot she was standing on as she held her neck with her hands in pain. "Marco..." She fell backward as she collapsed and a flashback of her first time meeting Marco came to her mind as the words he said to her. "If today's the worst day of your life...then tomorrow automatically has to be better, right...so cheer up okay." Then she remembered her words after they reunited back at the Sakurami Tower. "When you found me, it was my lucky day...this has to be the place."

"Ai...NOOOOOOOO!" Marco screamed in horror as he ran over despite the pain from the wound in his chest and knelt down on one knee holding his chest.

"Well, well, looks like you reached the Dead End..." Vector was on the top of the staircase crouching down chuckling with a taunting look.

"Well, where's your love...the love you keep running out of your big mouth...Marco..." Yoshino had a taunting smile on as he picked Ai by her head tightly and placed his left hand on Ai's face as he caressed cheeks. "Such a fine woman you chosen to be your wife..." He then dropped the woman on the floor as she let out a low painful gasp.

Marco gave a vicious hateful glare at the lizardman. "You son of..." The pain within his body from bullet wound and the snake's bite as he couldn't move. "Damn it..." He coughed violently hurling blood.

"Well, looks like Yoshino's snake deadly venomous is getting to your body not to mention the bit mark is close to your stomach." Vector chuckled with a mocking tone. "I bet I know what can help you...your love...not...it won't cure the poison, you dumbass!" He cackled like a sadist manic.

Marco crawled over to Ai as he placed his hand on her head gently and saw Vector approaching him with his hands in his pockets. "Vector...you punk, what are you doing here and who is this freak?!"

"We've come to take you and your pitiful girlfriend's life. In other words, you and Ai are no longer useful to us," Vector replied his taunting look not leaving his face. "As for your other question, you're seeing Micheal...rather Yoshino's true form."

Marco looked back at the lizardman with disbelief. "Hold on, Yoshino...Michael, I though that was your name!" Yoshino smirked tauntingly. "That's just a cover name that I used to protect identity and that I retired from the Sakurami Casino."

Vector sensed some enemies coming and let out a small chuckle. "Well, looks like we're about to have some guests ready to crash the party...but...first..." He put his hand out releasing a powerful shockwave at Marco and Ai launching them both in the air colliding to the window but they stopped despite the glass that cracked due to their crash.

"What...why didn't we crash through the glass?" Marco questioned, though he caught a glimpse of the glass cracking.

"Before you and Ai die, we'll have some add something entertainment to your last peformance," Vector answered with a sinister smile as lightning struck Marco. "AHHHHHHHH!" He screamed in agony.

The worse part that Ai was feeling the pain too. "Ai..." Marco groaned as blood dropped from his mouth.

"7th!" Yukiteru and his friends arrived and were in disbelief at what they were seeing.

Tsuchimikado went over to check on the unconscious Kurou. "Looks like he is still unconscious even through this racket."

Touma quickly recognized Ray and saw the 7th pair somehow pinned to the glass window. "Ray, why are you here and what the hell are you doing to 7th!?"

Vector jumped from the staircase and landed before Touma and his friends. "I was hoping to get the chance to meet you later, but, here you are." Touma glared at the young man. "Why is that, I never met you before!"

"Heheheheh...true, but, I met someone that resembles you..." Vector chuckled

Yuno then noticed the lizardman and a sudden fear began to cling to her chest. "It's...you..." Yoshino turned his head. "Well, Yuno Gasai, I was hoping you and your little pals would arrive here."

Misaka gathered her electricity. "What the hell are you?"

"Oh, how rude of me...let me show my human form..." Yoshino reverted his appearance. "Here am I, Yoshino, the former owner of the Casino!"

"Yoshino, I read in the newspaper someone named Michael retired and wasn't seen since..." Misaka summarized. "I presume, you're one of the monsters that was sealed in one of the stasis pods, right?"

Yoshino smirked. "Yes, my name is Yoshino, the lord of the Lizardman Race, but, as you can see I along with the other beings are free...thanks to a certain little shrimp."

"Who is this shrimp?" Yukiteru asked.

Yoshino just chuckled in response before he replied. "I'm not telling you...but since you came here this way, we want to congratulate you and your friends on weakening these pathetic humans."

Touma wasn't done as he had questions. "Wait, why are you and those other bastards doing in this world, what hope do you gain of hurting innocent people!?"

Vector began to cackle in amusement as his laugh echoed through the observation deck. "You honestly think we'll answer you so easily...how foolish...of you...you're just as demanding as your ancestor Touma Kamijou."

Hearing that statement piqued Touma's curiosity as well as the others.

Marco opened his eyes squinting. "Huh...ancestor, what in the hell is that punk talking about?" He slowly glanced at Ai, who was still breathing but barely. "Ai...I'm sorry...I was too late..."

"My ancestor defeated you...what the heck are you talking about, just who are you?" Touma demanded.

"That stare, just like your ancestor gave me when we fought in the war." Vector chuckled sinisterly. "To answer your question, I'm Vector the Prince of the Demon Clan."

"A...demon..." Saten stuttered.

Tsuchimikado had a question of his own. "Hey, do you happen to know a famous professor that found you and these other monsters, where is he?"

"Huh...oh, you mean the young professor that found me and the others...oh that guy is no longer here." Vector's face darkened. "Honestly, that pathetic human was nothing more than a pawn to us."

Yoshino smirked. "Yes, such a naive human scientist...he attempted to learn the secrets of our race. Trying to find what solutions could benefit Academy City's interest and do what he must to attain weaponry."

Tsuchmikado raised his eyebrows without the two monsters noticing it, but, it was clear something was wrong. "Despite that the professor treated them well, they're saying such cruel things. Although, I wonder what the professor was really doing for Academy City's high-ups or just trying to understand the history of the lost race."

The tower began to shake violently and the ceiling was falling apart. "Crap looks like the tower is coming down!" Misaka exclaimed in shock.

"Damn it...how will we get out here?" Yukiteru asked.

"We got two parachutes that the 7th pair has, but, there's only two that fit two," Yuno said. "We could just..."

"No Yuno, we're not leaving anyone behind!" Yukiteru argued.

Vector put his hand out and a portal appeared. "What is this?" Orsola asked.

"Consider you guys lucky...I was hoping to kill you losers and destroy the last bloodline of my old enemy..." Vector answered. "But, given the situation, I won't let you guys die due to a falling tower, that ain't my thing."

"So, you expect us just to go in there and hope we end up on the ground safely?" Touma growled.

Despite the level 0's tone, Vector just smirked. "I don't think you have a choice, so I suggest you go and leave while you have the chance."

Misaka hated to admit, but the enemy was right. "I'm afraid he's right, for now, let's get Mr. Amano and get out of this dump!"

"Hold on..." Marco called out as blood dripped from his mouth. "Cough...cough..." Blood was hurled out of his mouth.

"What is wrong with him?" Touma asked a little disgusted but worried.

Yoshino had that figured out. "Sounds like my snake's venom must be taking more effect on his body. It's only a matter of time before he meets his end..."

"Screw you...lizardman bastard..." Marco sneered as he then looked in Yukiteru's direction. "1st...I have something to say to you...you might've learned how to become strong...but, you still have a lot to learn about what it means to fight back without hesitation..." A serious expression took place on his face. "Listen, don't hesitate, you must keep fighting because your friends aren't always to be around to save your ass...if you can't realize that then you're just a loser who would rather rely on his friends and have them fight your battles for you!"

Yukiteru let out a small gasp.

"2nd...you might be protecting your man just as I would protect Ai...but, it's clear that you enjoy taking charge of 1st's judgment!" Marco continued despite the pain he was in. "Damn it...why does a brat like you always want to step protect your fake boyfriend regardless that you keep saying that you love him! If you ask me, you don't know anything about love!" Yuno went silent as she clenched her hands.

Marco then looked at Kamijou and a small grin was placed on his face. "Kamijou...I think I understand why Kamada is interested in you..." This got the level 0's attention as well as the others.

"Is he talking about 8th?" Misaka thought in question.

"Your friends told me that you keep fighting despite the past failures you might have...so, I don't get what makes you so brave to overlook the things that are beyond your control!?" Marco questioned loudly as his words echoed through the deck.

Touma was silent for a minute. "If you're trying to point out that you think I'm perfect then I'm not...sure there were things that were beyond my control...things that prevented me from helping those...but, I kept doing what I could...I couldn't just dwell on past failures..." He gave a determined look to the 7th holder. "Perhaps, you should take that advice yourself, Marco."

Marco's eyes widen. "I learned that you couldn't protect Ai back in high school...that must've hit you hard and yet you still saved her and that's all that matters." He gave a warm smile to the man. "You kept protecting her, not just because you needed to but to make up for what you couldn't do in the past."

Marco remained quiet and began to take in what the level zero esper said. "You never stopped protecting Ai, you should be proud that you kept doing what you could..."

"He's right..." Misaka agreed getting Marco to look at her. "Someone also told me that there are times when you can overcome your limits no matter how rough things get...you must continue fighting and do what you can to move forward. It's clear you haven't done that much considering the pain that you demonstrated during our fight."

Ai was overhearing Touma and Misaka's declaration. "So... that's what makes this boy and his friends so special...they can move forward and don't let their past failures prevent him from helping others..." She had a small smile. "I see, why Kamada was so interested in him...he's quite spirit and faith..." Her eyes began to close slowly. "Marco...I wish...I could've...helped you with that..." She tilts her head to the side.

"HAHAHAHAHAHA!" Vector cackled loudly like he was amused.

"What's so funny?!" Touma demanded.

"Oh like your ancestor he would go on with his heroic speeches and tell what is right to him!" Vector proclaimed with an insane look. "I look forward to our next fight."

The tower shook even more violently as the ceiling began to fall crack. "C'mon, let's go!" Orsola stated carrying Index on her back.

Yukiteru knew he had to say something to say after Marco's lecture. "Wait...I have to say something." Everyone looked at him including Marco. "Yuno, I have to say something to you..." His stalker looked at him. "Listen, I'm not clear if you love me or if you're just insane as everyone thinks...yet you kept staying by my side. But, Marco is right, you don't trust my judgment...however, I want to believe in you more than I can..." He put his hand out. "Take my hand...prove to me that you can trust my...no...I want you to trust me and the others...so that we can see through this war together!"

Yuno looked down for a second as if her crush's words reached her heart and went over to him as she took his hand. "I love Yukki..." She wrapped her arms around the boy's neck as the boy returned the hug.

Marco saw this as an image of him and Ai embracing each other after an incident in high school. "Ai..."

Yoshino just smirked. "Hahahahaha..." This got the others to look at him. "I wonder if 1st means that or if it's just empty words."

"What are you saying?" Misaka asked.

"You all know that Wussy is still afraid of Yuno, despite the big speech that just left his mouth," Yoshino answered with a darkened look. "One more slip up and Yuki will let go of Yuno Gasai, no doubt about it."

Yuno felt uneasy upon hearing that but before she could get a word out.

Yukiteru saw Yuno's reaction and felt he needed to comfort his stalker. "Yuno..."

"It doesn't matter whether the little wussy means what he said..." Vector interrupted. "Because his time will come sooner!"

Touma and his friends didn't like the sound of what Vector said.

"You brats, stop gawking and get out of here!" Marco demanded. "You did enough, so leave the tower and go see your friends!"

Yukiteru gave the 7th holder a compassionate look which Marco noticed but instead of giving him a pissed-off look, he gave a warm smile. "C'mon, don't give me that look...go..."

Yukiteru and Yuno left through the portal. Touma was about to leave until Marco called to him. "Hey Touma..." The high school boy turned to look at the cone-haired adult. "Keep fighting for what you believe...don't let anyone else other myself tell you otherwise."

Touma nodded his head with a smile which Marco did in return and the level zero left with his friends throught the portal.

"Touching as that is, but, this is where you meet your Dead End...Marco..." Yoshino put his hand out this time releasing his own powerful shockwave that blew toward the 7th pair.

Marco used the last strength he had to place his left hand on Ai's cheek. "Ai...this is it...our plan to become Gods is done...I guess it wasn't in the cards, huh, baby?" He thought sadly with a smile. "But...perhaps, this is what I wanted...you and mean together to the bitter end..." Tears poured down his eyes and one last thought came to his mind as Kamada flashed before his eyes and smiling warmly at him when he was just a boy. "Kamada...thank you...for helping...me that day...mother..." Yoshino's attack shattered the window causing the 7th pair to fall through as they fell to their deaths but not before they began to sink into a black vortex.

"So long...let's go..." Vector opened another portal and left with Yoshino just as the tower collapsed completely causing a loud rumble and smoke.

Toum and the gang found themselves on a pile of rubble. "Looks like we made it," Touma said looking around.

"Yeah, I'll give Aiho a call and tell us where we are," Misaka took out her cell phone.

Index woke up as Orsola turned her head. "Orsola...guys...are we safe?" The other nun smiled warmly at the small nun. "You bet Index..."

"Let's get out of here, the tower's fall will still cause massive smoke to blow through," Misaka said as she walked down to a nearby street and the others followed.

"I'll call Uiharu too," Saten said getting her cell phone out.

Yukiteru looked over to Yuno. "Yuno...I was thinking about talking to Mom and Dad about something." Yuno looked at her crush curiously. "What about?"

"I realized that my father isn't your favorite person. There are a lot of issues we need to work out. Also, even if the chances of my parents getting back together are slim, I would like to try to convince them to give their relationship another shot and..." He took hold of Yuno's hand surprising her. "I-it would be cool if you could help me."

"Yeah..." Yuno replied blushing red.

"Come on you lovebirds, let's go!" Tsuchimikado joked as the two Diary users joined their friends.

Yuno had one thought on her mind as she saw the smiling faces of Touma and his friends. "Touma..."

Meanwhile at the Sakurami's Police lab.

Akise and Tsubaki were there in a laboratory room. "So, what do you think of the DNA samples that were collected from the three corpses?"

"They should reveal the secret that we need. Ones that prove that there is more to Yuno than meets the eye." Akise said observing the microscope's scope. "However, this time take a little longer than we thought since there's so much to do."

Tsubaki then heard her cell phone ring and looked to see who was calling. "Tsubaki, this is Uiharu, I got some news to share." She listened to the middle school girl and a small gasp was heard from sixth diary user. "Akise, I got some news, one is 7th has been killed but, not by Yuki or Yuno." Akise turned his head looking surprised.

With Marco and Ai finally dead, there are only five users left. Vector revealed some of his past and the professor's history. However, the main question is, where is the professor, is he truly dead as Vector claims and what did Vector mean by Yukiteru meaning his ending soon? Only time will tell.

End of chapter.