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!

49. Chapter 49

PAINTED PRISON CHRONICLES

CHAPTER 49

SPECIAL V: WEDDING OVER HEAVENS

Hello and welcome back everyone. I give you warm regards and hope that you are all well from the bottom of my heart. We continue with the second series of between-arc specials (first were chapters from 14 to 16), before we return to present time with Touma possibly recovering from coma (?). I plan to have one more chapter, chapter 50, be a special one, because I have developments regarding certain characters that I really want to tell you. But let's not ahead of myself. Today, we continue fleshing out some characters that in my opinion are interesting to expand upon, revisiting Future Phase (I hope those who still remain indifferent to it pardon me for it, yet I have to oblige many enthusiastic request to continue (mis)adventures of Touma's children). We have a wedding to cover, one that really filled my mind with imaginative scenarios ever since I read about its concept. Also, a certain mystery, that was hinted a couple times before if one knows where to look, finally begins to be outright addressed.

Thank you for recent rise in interest, as far as I can tell from reviews, both general and private. While I am still learning and there is still a lot I have to master, I like to give this story my all. It is my passion project, growing exponentially bigger than I initially anticipated. How could I imagine in May 2022, when I first drafted the initial synopsis and setting, that the story would be twice its originally planned run? There is a method, and a reason, to such an outcome.

With time, the writing became a way to address various topics of philosophical, psychological, and linguistic nature. Some of those were touched in the afterword of the last chapter. I am interesting in discussing the existential solitude, permanence and dillemas of immortality, suffering, love, sincerity and false perceptions, freedom of will, time and space ontology, estranged familial bonds, and much more. I tried to intertwine those topics and match them with the characters, to have a beneficial connection with the plot and move action forward, while also giving you something to ponder about.

Not to mention that, in a way, writing is very therapeutic for me. Whenever I have enough time to commit to it, there is nothing as liberating, funny, engaging and touch than writing for myself and for all of you. It certainly helps when I feel down (although I need to have certain degree of positive inclination to write effectively).

Point is, I want to do my best to develop this passion project of a fanfic even further. It possesses a diverse cast, and it will take time to truly tell its story. You never know what will happen in life. This is probably why I tend to write longer chapters, because I want to give you a lot to enjoy/read, just in case if something was preventing me from publishing the next chapter. But other than that, I believe that in the future, sheer scope of this work, which will grow in slow, but determined pace, will enable to explore nearly all characters, including Touma's generation and the generation of his children (then may also get a spin-off of sorts) to a satisfying degree. Now, it's one chapter per month, but as a rule, I prefer to work slower to avoid burn out and deliver quality work than to rush it.

As we are nearing 50th chapter, and we will be returning to slice-of-life formula (it's already happening, as a matter of fact) I am very curious about your experience, memories, and enjoyment (did it change? Is it still vivid and entertaining?) about Painted Prison Chronicles. All feedback, opinions, and musings are valued here.

As I said above, Chapter 50 has a story that I would really love to tell. As such, I will try to write and deliver it for your lecture as fast as I can. My determination is strong. In the meantime, I will probably undergo small medical procedure and will need a few days of recovery, but that might give me more time to write, in actuality. You never know, we'll see.

Because, as always, more of the actual things to talk about are mentioned after the chapter, if you are interested, please direct yourself to the afterword after reading the chapter!

Q&A corner:

Average stuffy: I am happy you liked the costume, I have a feeling that Halloween in Academy City would be a sight to behold! And I like you liked Kenko's section. He may not be the strongest character ever, but he is doing his best to earn his place. The fact that he is Ruiko's brother already made him interesting enough to develop, but maybe that's just me

5had0wHand: I love the esthetic of ghosts of the past appearing in the present, it can be conveyed in many forms. Also, it is 'Ataxia', 'Ataraxia' means something completely different. Yet I know it can be easily twisted, trust me, I understand. Three IB hosts were modeled like a unorthodox family, with a big brother who looks like a father figure, girl who wants to be a mother figure while she seems more like a big sister, and Touma as the son. Kongou is absolutely one of the (if not the most) adorkable dork this series has to offer. And indeed, there was something very profound with Vasilisa's moment with Ladylee.

unknown2008: Like I said, I will probably write them in when we will return to focusing on coma (so probably in chapter 51)

TheDarkPublisher: Oh yes. It's just, Emma and Kaibi are so similar in the fact that they are both classy, mannipulative socialites with mind abilities (although Kaibi isn't exactly a telepath). I knew I had to make that reference for her, I just had to.

KHSVFF: It is always hectic for Touma to be surrounded with this many women! I can easily imagine that since Touma met Aradia and Bologna de facto competing (over whether or not Touma will live or die) it will carry onto romantic rivalry. As I said, the level 5 cosplayers were hilarious to write. I would pay to see a comedy like this by played in some kind of OVA. And Mugino was close to killing back there! It is also like Mugino to use something she already has on her disposal, so I thought 'the female Terminator would have a good vibe with her'. I hope you will enjoy this chapter as much as the ones preceeding it!

FingFangFoom100: I am happy you find Touma's actions in relations to Aogami relatable. And I am even happier that you find Transcendents to be the best part of this chapter because, as planned, it was a Transcendent-focused chapter.

TheCosmicSoul1263: Thank you for your praise of the story in general. I agree, there is a little content for Kaibi lovers to enjoy, which was one of the reason I created this fanfic, to give Gokusai sisters and underused characters like them a chance to shine and be more prominent in minds and hearts of the community. And as for harem, this chapter may give you something to look forward to! As for Oyafune, I don't plan for them to have kids, but platonic relationship is not out of question in some timeline.

Whatamidoinghere2: When the push comes to shove, the confessions of those two would be great, I will make sure of that.

elementalgaming30: There is always enough space and time in the world for more Transcendent goodness!

Dancouga01-23: Kouzaku is in Touma's harem in PPC, however, the exact nature of this relationship is yet largely undefined. Presumably, it will change at some point of future chapters.

Without further delay, let's begin!

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Prais'd be the fathomless universe,
For life and joy, and for objects and knowledge curious;
And for love, sweet love

-Ode to Death, G. Holst, op.38

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(3 WEEKS AFTER KAMIJOU TOUMA BECAME COMATOSE, RIVERBANK OF DISTRICT 7, EVENING)

Mugino Shizuri was walking in fast pace near Academy City's riverside.

"Tch, summoning me so late. If it wasn't for the fact that we made peace with one another, and the fact that, as annoying as it is, he is still stronger than me..."

It started to rain. It was a drizzle, but nevertheless, it didn't help Mugino's mood.

"Fan-fucking-tastic!" she growled, before finally noticing people she was looking for.

A tall boy with a body made of shimmering, semi-fluid, semi-solid whiteness. And a young girl with darker carnation and long silver hair.

"I thought you weren't going to show up" Kakine Teitoku spoke smoothly" I am glad you are gracing us with your presence"

She grit her teeth.

"Dark Matter... what the hell do you want, dragging me here in such a weather? And you... I've seen you somewhere before..."

"My name is Helcalia Grocery, miss Mugino"

"Miss? Cut this pleasantries, they make me sick. Hmm... I saw your near him at times... so what is it about you that you need me here?"

"Helcalia-san..." Kakine explained, pointing to the girl" Is a daughter of very gifted scientist and developer, Melzabeth Grocery. It seems that the genes responsible for the bloodline's intellect were not lost with her alone."

"What are you getting at?"

"After the unfortunate events that recently befallen Kamijou Touma..." Kakine noticed that Mugino tensed up, but carried on nonetheless" Grocery-san undertook esper awakening procedure, almost immediately afterwards, and devoted tireless effort to perfecting her ability. Just two weeks after Grocery-san started said effort, I was contacted by a girl named Patricia Birdway"

"How could someone random just have your number?"

"Apparently, this flowerheaded girl from Judgement can make favours by tracing the numbers to... well, that's irrelevant. Suffice to say that I, too, was shocked and frankly annoyed by what that english researcher had to say, and I hung up. Then, I discovered that Birdway-san is a genius in her own right, possessing extraordinary mind and skill. I read some of her papers, and for someone who is only 13... let's just say that even I was impressed. She was very persistent in contacting me... so I finally listened to her, taking all of that into account."

Mugino tried to summon every bit of her patience, as she listened to the story.

"Grocery-san began partnership regarding ability development with Birdway-san, and in just over a week, they reached astounding results. This is why Patricia Birdway contacted me, because from all the people she examined, she believed I was the one who could mentor Grocery-san the best. Naturally, at first, I was extremely skeptical. I am a level 5, and not just any level 5 at that. We are not tutors for hire."

"In that, we can agree"

"However... the fact that her ability gained a considerable strength in such a short matter of time, which stemmed from both dedication and innate talent, presumably... and very nature of that power, which I learned after studying the data Birdway-san sent to me... compelled me to meet them and see if what was in the files was true"

"Oh? You are using word 'compelled'? Then it really must be something, mister 'rules don't apply to me, I am the rules'"

Kakine ignored Mugino's jab, and put a hand on Helcalia's shoulder.

"Grocery-san's esper ability is... very unique, physics-wise. And I would know about uniqueness... more than any other esper. Even Accelerator's ability, I dare to say, is not so otherworldly."

"Yeah, we all know how incredibly elusive you Dark Matter is. So, she has something similar?"

"Not really, but it is probably as close as it can be when it comes to being... unknown, so to speak"

"I really want to make a change. We don't know when Touma will wake up... and I know it bothers you too..." for the first time, Helcalia spoke in length.

"Don't presume what bothers or not bothers me, and get to the point instead"

"Kakine-san insisted on your assistance and observation. I want to demonstrate you the work born from my conviction"

"And what conviction would that be?"

"I... don't want to be a burden. I want to be able to be someone that can hold her own, so Touma wouldn't worry about me being hurt. I want to use my brain to the fullest extent, and perfect this power, so I can be of use."

"Right... and what does it have to do with me?"

"Well, Kakine-san insisted that your presence would help me. And I trust his judgement"

Mugino looked questioningly at #2, but he remained unreadable.

He motioned forward.

"Now, Grocery-san. Let's give it a go with a set of equations I given you earlier"

Helcalia nodded and closed her eyes, putting her arms forward.

For a minute or two, aside from sounds of concentration and effort from the foreign girl, nothing changed at all.

After five minutes, Mugino was beyond herself with fury.

Then, she did notice something. Something that jumped between fingers and hands of Helcalia.

'Electricity? If it was that, #2 wouldn't be bothered by it. We have a shit ton of electric espers, even not counting that pain in the ass Railgun'

It was indeed something else. The sparks of energy were not bright, but instead had dark, almost black colour, outlined by faint sapphire glow on the edges. Not only that, but the facture seemed more fluid, and dense.

But besides that, nothing happened... for the next five minutes, despite Helcalia obviously trying her hardest.

That was the moment in which Mugino's patience finally worn off.

"I've had enough!" she said, jabbing Helcalia on her chest, which made her jump" You drag me here, without any fucking explanation, insist that there is something amazing and I am essential for it... I still have no idea why by the way... and then you have nothing to show for it?!"

"No... no... I mean, I don't understand..." Helcalia mumbled out.

Kakine slowly leaned closer and said something quietly to her.

"Huh? But I thought..."

Dark Matter only nodded slightly.

"Mugino-san, I believe there was an overlo-" Helcalia started to explain, but Mugino was too much in her own emotions.

"You want to do something for him? Well, can you help him wake up? Can you heal his wounds? Or are you going around with half-baked attempts, trying to be strong, but inside being a child playing pretend on something you are not really having a grasp on. If you are going to help him like that, then he would be better of without a hindrance who forces her help without actually doing anything of substance!"

Helcalia's cheeks darkened, as she clenched her fists.

"Don't say that..." she whispered dryly.

Mugino spoke in more venomous manner than she did in recent times, but in truth, she did not care. She was confused, wet, angry, and tired from sleepless nights due to the worry about the state of the boy, who was floating motionlessly in a special cylinder within Certain Hospital

"What were you expecting? That your feelings get you to the highest of heights? You need to have brains, force, influence, and drive to succeed. You think you are the only one who wants him back? No, you are fucking not! So don't mock me with that half-baked display. Do you want to impress someone? You are not doing a good job. If that's the best that you could do, then maybe your feelings were also half-assed, infantile crush of a girl who meddles in things she has no business meddling in!"

Helcalia's eyes snapped wide open, just as a small smirk appeared on Kakine's face.

"Don't insult..."

Something changed in the air. The semi-fluid black lightning with sapphire edges sparked from Helcalia's body. Something extended from between her palms and forth, beyond her, Mugino, and Kakine, encompassing parts of the riverbank, the river itself, and a bridge on it.

It was semi-translucent, dark sphere, like a giant film spanning over an area with Helcalia in the middle.

"...my feelings for him!" Helcalia shouted, more and more shadowy bolts discharging and shifting around her like half-lightning, half-mercury.

Mugino was about to shout, demanding and explanation, when something truly bewildering occurred.

The rain ceased falling. The droplets stopped in place.

The cars parked nearby rose into the air, and so did the water from the river. Slowly, very slowly, but it rose up without a doubt. The bridge itself bent, as if being lifted upward. Everything that was not firmly pinned to the ground, from pebbles and trash to lines of the bridge, was rising in the air to some degree, some just slightly, others fully drifting above the ground.

And Mugino herself found herself suddenly floating upwards.

It looked as if she was drowning in the air, if that was possible, her arms and legs flailing slowly as she rose higher and higher, her long hair spreading freely like a tea-coloured veil, partially shading her completely dumbfounded face. She looked at Helcalia... who was... yes, without a doubt, she was faintly glowing.

And now, above the ground, Meltdowner could see that the semi-translucent sphere was filling up with floating objects. The effect stopped right at its edges.

Then, Mugino felt it right before it happened.

A backward tugging, as if something was pulling her back by the invisible line fixed to her back and pushing by putting something heavy on her chest. It got stronger and stronger... before...

Everything shot away from the center of the sphere, all at once.

Mugino flew backwards with such a force that the world around her blurred. Flying, she almost crashed into a tree, but was caught by web-like net of glowing white.

It was dark matter. For some reason, Kakine Teitoku wasn't lifted from his place, standing his ground.

But even after being caught, Mugino could still feel enormous pressure, repelling her, to what felt like the edges of the earth. Such enormous force that she felt she will be crushed.

And then...

Helcalia dropped to the ground, unconscious.

The sphere disappeared and every scattered thing became affected by gravity once again.

As water and rocks rained around, Kakine put Mugino down.

"Now... still think that I was overreacting?"

Mugino was shaken, which was a rarity for her.

"You... used me. You wanted to push her to emotional reaction and you used the fact that I was pissed off and would likely snap at her."

"Your perceptiveness is astounding. I also gave her faulty equation, besides suggesting a slight correction later on"

"This was why she couldn't do shit for so many minutes?"

The clouds parted, and rain passed. Mugino shook her head and shouted, pointing at passed out Helcalia

"Anyway, what the hell was that? Why weren't you affected by it?"

"I anticipated it, so I changed properties of my Dark Matter to evade. As for what it was... look around you. What do you see?"

Mugino did just that. Within the former sphere of effect of the strange ability, some things weren't in the same positions as before. Trees bent, ground caved in... even the bridge seemed slightly bent. Mugino was sure that while the power was active, even water from the river was bending to the side.

"What do all those alterations have in common?"

"Away... everything in the radius wanted to move away from that girl. Like... it was being repelled" Mugino came to a conclusion, looking at the grass, which also bent away from Helcalia Grocery, lying in its midst

"Precisely" Kakine nodded

"Again, what exactly caused this? Anti-gravity?"

"Not exactly. Negation of gravity is just a side effect of the main source of her power, the by-product of the interference of her ability within matter in the sphere of its effect."

"Will the brat be fine?"

"Her power is draining at that stage. That was intense, uncontained burst, it probably knocked her out for a day or two"

Mugino raised an eyebrow.

"That's ominous"

Kakine took out a phone and showed the screen to Mugino.

"Here are the calculations"

Meltdowner scrolled down and frowned.

"This is... complex stuff. Really intricate calculations, even for us. What are they? It's not electricity, it's not telekinesis, it's not radiation... I see acceleration, gravity, momentum, density... of what exactly?"

"I am not surprised that you have no idea what it is. Few know heard of it, even fewer know how to describe it... none knows what it really is... but... I can tell you this... because of what this ability signifies, I, Kakine Teitoku, alongside the remote assistance from Birdway-san, will be taking this girl under my wing..."

A white wing extended from Kakine's body, bent and wrapped around Helcalia's body, lifting it up.

"... I thought about it long and hard... I once promised myself to never again trying to care for someone like that after failing her... Ringo... my Ringo..."

His voice faltered, and the shining boy went silent, wrestling with his own thoughts. In a flash of empathy, Mugino didn't dare to interrupt him. Such pained regret was known to her too, after all.

"However..." Kakine finally spoke again" While I am sure Grocery-san is amicable person, I am not doing it out of my liking for her. Nor for any particular sentiment for Kamijou Touma, where this girl's loyalty lies."

His hand glowed as he reached down towards the girl.

"But if I am correct..."

The glowing hand recoiled, as crackle of dark power with sapphire edges shot out. If Mugino were to guessed, Kakine did something to interfere with AIM field of the strange

"... then this girl will need guidance, all she can get. Kamijou Touma has an unconscious gift of gathering the strongest individuals from most bizarre of places. They, like Grocery-san here, will not stop at nothing if he is in danger, including polishing their abilities to utmost perfection. If she is as gifted as she appears to be, if she has what it takes to join us, those that are few in a couple millions, then we will not have to make sure that her power isn't raw and unruly merely for her gain... but because she might as well destroy the world with it"

(MANY YEARS LATER, FUTURE PHASE, ON BOARD OF PRIVATE AIRCRAFT OF THE KONGOU AIRLINES, EVENING OF 27TH OF DECEMBER)

The enormous plane called Tornado, which resembled more a flying city than single machine, tore through the sky over the ocean, heading to the artificially created take-off spot on one of the uninhabited islands, designated for the space shuttle launch.

The plane was Kongou Mitsuko's pride and joy, marvel of the newest high-tech inventions and innovations. Enormous machine with equally majestic interior, equipped with various luxuries, leisure spaces, equipment for working out, relaxation, swimming pool, cinema, fashion runway, restaurant, and much more.

In one of its spacious halls, a group of girls was preparing themselves for an important occasion.

"Mom!" Aoife Kamijou, 3rd daughter of Kamijou family, shouted towards the silver haired woman in a grey and blue dress, pointing at the clothing folded on the small stool" I-I can't wear that dress! It's too revealing!"

"Aoife, each of your sisters got a individualized dress designed jointly by miss Vasilisa and your aunt Mitsuko." Bayloupe said with a sigh. This wasn't the first time she and her daughter had this conversation" It would be rude not to wear them"

"B-But-"

"Aoife Airgid Gealach Kamijou..." Bayloupe interrupted her firmly" Let me rephrase that: As you might be aware, I am not particularly fond of formal dressing, which is why you have to endure it with me! Mother daughter solidarity. If I am putting up with that dress, then you sure as hell can too"

Aoife sighed, slumping on the chair. She knew there is no point getting on into discussion on that stage.

"Fine..."

Parvati Kamijou skidded towards her older sister with a smile on her lips.

"Honestly, I don't know what are you complaining about. You looked really beautiful in it earlier on. And now, that your hair is done, it will look even better. I love my dress too!"

She swirled in a blue-and-golden sari, complimented with a lotus flower in her dark grey hair and struck a pose.

Aoife smiled.

"I know, I know, you are right, Vati. And thanks for the compliment. I just... dressing up like this in front of everybody... you know how shy I am about showing up my body"

"Eh?" Shishi, sitting next to them, gasped in disbelief while combing her hair " But you are a sport's champion. You demonstrate what you can do, shine in front of thousands of people"

"T-They watched my skills, not myself per general" Aoife protested" That's completely different"

"I don't think you are speaking for your devoted fans"

Suddenly, a hand chopped Aoife's head from the back

"Ow!" the silver haired girl turned back to look at Shimitsu." What was that for?"

Shizuri's daughter sighed, looking at some of her sisters in the room.

"Don't make a fuss about this. The point is not to look pretty. This is not for us, this is for dad. It is his wedding"

"Well, we can do both. " said Kamijou Kiseki, examining her own outfit." All that is left to do is focus on supporting daddy. We are all pretty per definition "

"And modest too" smiled Sena, without opening her eyes, as she laid on the nearby sofa.

"Mitsu-chan is right..."

"Oi! Even if you are older, I will kill you for that nickname!"

"... this is for dad. Also... at least my mom wanted me to just get it on with and get into one dress. While others..."

The girls looked at their aunt Mitsuko. The busty woman with long black hair and prominent forehead was running around the changing room.

"After consideration, maybe you should try this one..."

"Mom!" her daughter, Kamijou Miya, stormed out of the changing room and stomped her foot" This is the 10th one I am trying on! I like it as it is, so please, enough already"

She looked at her brother.

"Tomo! Help me here!"

The boy with black hair and handsome face, Kamijou Tomoya, yawned, while looking at his sister and mother.

"Pass"

"Traitor! Is this the way to treat your onee-chan?"

"Miya, we are twins. You are older than me by 10 minutes"

"Still counts!" the glamorous girl huffed, giving a dramatic, resigned gesture" Oh, do whatever you want with me"

"Oh, come on now, honey, I only wanted to help. Still, I do agree that you look fabulous"

Kongou huffed, before smiling at Tomoya.

"Oh, are you ready too?" Kongou smiled, looking back.

The girls followed her gaze, to discover a group of boys in the doorway.

"WHAT?! Since when are you all just standing there?!" screamed Kamijou Kanari, the last of the sisters currently present in the room.

"Since forever" Takami smiled and scratched his chestnut brown hair with a sheepish smile." You were so invested in your little discussion that we didn't want to interrupt you"

"Speak for yourself" Tsubasa grinned widely" I was busy laughing my ass off at how serious you are taking it. We are already dressed"

"You know" Chousuke said smugly" We can help you decide if you-"

A comb collided with his face.

"As if we let you, Pervousuke" Kanari shouted." Stay outside, don't just barge in!"

"To be completely fair, the door was slightly open" muttered Ryodou.

The tallest, oldest, and physically strongest of the Kamijou siblings was almost reaching the upper edge of the door, looking modestly down, glancing between his younger sisters and group of brothers by his side. In the former category, there were Aoife, Shimitsu, Parvati, Shishi, Sena, Kanari, and Kiseki. In the latter, there was Ryodou himself, Tsubasa, Takami, Chousuke, Tomoya, and Hayate.

They were accompanied by aunts Mitsuko and Hoshimi, who kept watch over them, as Tornado flew over the ocean.

"Still, this doesn't mean you can just gawk like that" Kanari stomped her foot." Auntie Hoshimi, say something here!"

A woman with a teen-styled clothes that were cut to pronounce abbs on her belly flipped into the sitting position and sighed, zipping her dress with a gesture of a finger

"Guys, listen to them. It will get pretty annoying for me otherwise." she said, scanning them from heads to toes" I have to admit it though, you lot look pretty good"

"Really? They all wear tuxedos" Miya said skeptically.

"Now, now, honey, look closer. It's the details that matter" Kongou reprimanded her daughter." See?"

Indeed, each of the boy's suits was different, despite the core outline of the torso being similar. Ryodou's muscular arms were left exposed. Apparently, they would stretch the material over them so much that it would look worse than when his arms were visible. Chousuke donned the longer suit, more resembling his normal lab coat-like attire. Hayate's suit was basically a traditional tuxedo, expect for a green Rod of Asclepius signs on the tie and sleeves. Tsubasa wore goggles of his mother with which he never parted with, his brown-and black hair, that even after brushing looked messy and windswept. Tomoya in particular looked flawlessly elegant, with polished shoes, hair that looked like from a shampoo commercial, and golden insignia of a fan with a snake wrapped around it pinned on his chest, which was the symbol of his mother, Kamijou Mitsuko nee Kongou, one of the biggest fashion and aviation magnates in the world.

"Nee, nee, Taka-nii" Parvati poked the chestnut haired boy with her finger" Who do you think is the prettiest?"

Aside from Parvati in her sari, Aoife's thigh-cut, long silver-blue dress, there was also Shishi, who had white dress with small purple rose on her chest, which complimented her dark hair, which had white ribbon in it. Sena, who (after long fight) agreed to put white dress with blue cape-like stretch of material between her arms, adorned with mosaic-like necklace and golden earrings, which made her appear like an ancient egyptian princess. Kanari, in violet dress, with long blue gloves and necklace, alongside her heels tinged the same colour. Shimitsu, in a very elegant, yet also simple crimon red dress and black heels, with elegantly styled and tied dark brown hair. Kiseki, who opted for golden dress with black accents, which pronounced her waist, chest, went along with her golden eyes and black hair. Finally, the last of sisters present, there was Miya, dressed in beautiful, silken dress, carefully folded and stitched to give the impression of waves which descended down her waist and arms, clashing beautifully with her raven hair. It was a dress befitting a model, which wouldn't be surprising since both Miya and her mother were part-time models.

In addition, Kongou and Maidono would also about to get ready, with the former sporting a very exquisite blue dress, and the latter opting to remain within the elegant formal shirt and short skirt. It was a strange choice, but the telekinesis user hated the long dresses, and no amount of convincing from other women of the family could sway her in their favour.

Railgun's son raised his arms up and shook his head.

"Sorry, but that's a trap I am not walking into"

"Awww, come on! You sound like dad!"

"Well, then dad is right. I've done this before. I have over 9000 aunts, and let me tell you, playing favouritism is like shooting yourself in the stomach"

The woman in question examined beige suit that Takami was wearing, complimented with red tie.

"Those small flowers... are those..."

"Yeah. Mom's old hairclips. She wanted me to have them on myself during the ceremony"

"Oh, it's so nostalgic" Mitsuko stroke the flowers before laughing" Ohohohoho! So many wonderful memories... back then I wouldn't even imagine what the future held... and I would never guess that I end up such a lucky mother of two kids!"

"M-Mom! Don't mess up my hair, you were the one who wanted it be like that!" Tomoya protested, trying to escape from the headpats his mother was giving.

"Mmm... m-mom... s-s-stop..." Miya blushed the most adorable shade of red, her beautiful face colouring and her distinct eyebrows, which both twins inherited from their mother, knitting together" N-Not in front of everyone"

"Wait, don't try to distract me" In the meantime, Shimitsu's arm clasped itself on Takami's shoulder. Next words she said in a venomous tone" Or is it that you actually don't want to admit it? I saw your gaze linger on Kanari for half a second longer-""

Another hand grasped the daughter of Meltdowner.

"Taka-nii is right, favouritism is stupid" a pale and thin Kamijou Hayate spoke, looking at his sister" Why are you so vehement on his judgement?"

"D-Don't butt into this... please" Shimitsu muttered, trying to break free.

Hayate smiled thinly.

"You always say that Chousuke is like uncle Motharu, but your competitiveness with Sena onee-san is something else..."

"You take that back!" Shimitsu shouted, her face being just one step away from her mother's while angered.

The short boy and slender girl clashed gazes. They both had contact abilities that could be lethal to the targets, and maybe that was the reason that from time to time, the introverted boy and outspoken girl clashed, often taking sides in other sibling rivalries against one another.

Shishi, being the reasonable and mediating girl, stepped between them and caused everyone to let go of each other.

"Okay now, no one will detonate or infect anyone else! I think what Taka-nii is trying to say is that each of us is beautiful in their own way, and that this should be enough"

"But-" Shimitsu tried to protest.

"Come on, let's finish preparing. And no fighting!" the short-haired girl, shorter than Shimitsu, looked at her without hesitation, before playing final card" Or I am telling grandma Shiina"

Everyone shivered, and looked at them.

"You wouldn't..." Shimitsu muttered, her eyes strong, but losing the edge in her voice.

Kamijou Shiina was the grandmother of all of them, and universally respected throughout multitude of siblings. She was caring and protective, but also strict and uncompromising. She didn't tolerate fighting between them, and making her mad was very unwise move. Even the gifted Shimitsu was no idiot, and the mention of her grandmother made her reconsider.

"Oh... she brought grandma into this" Parvati covered her lips.

"Low blow" Tomoya winced" Mitsu-nee..."

"Fine, fine" Shimitsu walked away" You got me."

She knew that Shishi was probably bluffing. She was a sweet girl. Using Shiina as an argument was last resort, and was almost never put into motion. But still, Shimitsu relented, the argument was unworthy the risk.

'You are more devious than you look' she thought, looking at Shishi with sympathy.

Their mothers couldn't be more different and it showed, yet Shimitsu respected Shishi for, despite being smaller and objectively less powerful, always sticking with what she wanted. It was a nice thing to have a sister like that.

Dark eyes of Takami filled with tears.

"Shishi-sama... you are an angel"

"Hehehe..." Itsuwa's daughter scratched her cheek with a sheepish grin" I-I am just trying to be reasonable and nice"

Above Takami, Tsubasa gave a huge thumbs up, mouthing 'nice save'

"Alright, point taken, but we still need to wrap this up" Kanari said pushing the boys out.

Chousuke shrugged.

"She only wants to hide that her legs got fat-bwah!"

"I will take revenge for that!" Kanari said, starting to chase Chousuke around the room."You are talking to future idol!"

"Idol my ass! Speaking of which, it got fatter too!"

"HOW DARE YOU!" Daughter of Mitsuari Ayu tossed her hair haughtily" When I will be famous, I will tax you twice as much for a ticket compared to rest of my fans, just to see a glimpse on me on stage"

"But... we are your brothers" Tomoya raised an eyebrow" We can see you all the time, for free"

"Do you think Kanari nee-chan will be one of those idols that uncle Pierce talked about?" Tsubasa wondered" The ones that sell bathwater?"

"Weren't those influencers?" Tomoya remained skeptical.

"Idols are basically influencers that dance and sing." Takami nodded, with equally serious face" Huh, I bet Kaizumi onii-chan would make a way to profit out of it"

"Yeah, after all, we used to bathe together-OW!"

Shimitsu snuck behind Takami and Tomoya, and bashed their heads against each other.

"Cut out your stupidity!

"S-S-Stop bringing in bathing together!" Kanari cried out, her ears joining in her cheek's red coloration.

"Why do you even take anything uncle Pierce says seriously?!"

And then, Ryodou sighed and clapped his hands.

The vibration caused everyone to jump and get quiet, as they looked at the young man by the window.

Kamijou Ryodou was the firstborn son of the family and the only child of Fukiyose Seiri. Younger only than Kamijou Hyouka, he was a benevolent young man with a strong sense of justice. While he looked down on others, it was only due to the fact that he was a rather tall individual, and never did so out of any malice.

Also, he had another characteristic: he didn't talk needlessly, but when he did, others listened.

He pointed at the window, and spoke calmly

"I see our landing point on the horizon, everyone"

Maidono walked towards the window and squinted her eyes.

"Huh, he is right" she shook her head, and made a few quick gestures with her hands.

The sofa unceremoniously dashed forward and shoved the boys outside. At the same time, bundle of rope unrolled and then separated Kanari and Chousuke, pulling them apart.

The belly-showing woman put hands on her hips.

"Get ready. From the looks of it, we will be there in half an hour."

"Oh no, seriously?"

"If we don't hurry, Etain and Serina would never let this go"

The girls shuddered. Two of their other sisters, Etain in particular, were very diligent in caring about beauty, and never missed the opportunity to point out things that could be perfected on such occasions.

"Yeah, I could do without Eta's nagging"

"So..." Maidono pushed the boys out. The doors slammed shut with another gesture. "Get to work everyone. Sena, finish your makeup"

"Zzzzzz..."

"Don't sleep while I am talking to you!"

"Hmm? Oh, fine fine, I am awake" the demigoddess said with a yawn" Frankly, I don't know why we need to dress up at all. If we are pretty, what's the shame in showing our body?"

"Sena-chan, with all the respect I have for Nephthys-san, as beautiful and knowledgeable as she is... your mother's taste in fashion... is questionable, at best" Mitsuko eyed the girls, before looking at Maidono" You better change too. You wouldn't want making Hasako-chan mad"

"Yeah, that would be a very bad idea" Maidono chuckled" She takes such festivities rather seriously. Last time I made her mad, the entire celebration faced a blizzard"

What celebration was on everyone's minds?

A joyous day, specifically, a wedding.

In a family of Kamijou Touma, weddings were rather common. The patriarch himself experienced it over 40 times, in different times and layers of reality.

In this particular instance, the union would be between Kamijou Touma and their aunt Helcalia

What made this wedding stand out however were not the bride and groom themselves, accomplished and eccentric as they might be.

No, it was the mode of delivery, the way this wedding was about to be conducted.

In accordance to the dreams of Helcalia's parents, and wishes of Helcalia herself, the young woman was about to be wed in space, on Earth's orbit.

(ROUGHLY OVER HALF AN HOUR LATER)

Everybody was standing on the beach, looking at other vessels arriving from the distance.

"In retrospect, I think we landed a bit too broadly. Can you move it?" Kongou said to Maidono.

"No problem" Maidono replied, extending her hand.

"Wow... sometimes, I forget how monstrously strong your mom is..." Chousuke whispered to Tsubasa, as the enormous plane was lifted and moved aside with expert precision.

"Well, she is strong enough to keep earthquakes at bay in some parts of the world as part time job, so it goes without saying. They call her the 'Earth-shaking goddess' apparently... She also lifts sunken ships and equipment as another part time job. Though she is forbidden from using full extent of her ability on the ocean"

Chousuke, and others listening nearby, nodded to themselves.

Aunt Hoshimi was one of the most diligent and straightforward in their family. The children knew her as funny, brave, and considerate person. Sure, she tended to also have more whimsical, short-fused side to her, but it was usually reigned in by her best friend, aunt Hasako, as well as their dad, to whom she was devoted beyond compare. Chousuke was certain that their younger brother Rhain, son of Floris of New Light, had a childhood crush on aunt Hoshimi, perhaps not only him. The bobcut-styled woman, also liking the wear a blond wig, took care of her body and mind equally, pushing herself to the extreme with training her ability.

Whereas others lifted weights as a gym training, Maidono trained by repeatedly lifting buildings, ships, plates of earth, or even small mountains, if the rumors were true. Reaching adulthood, she perfected upper limit of her telekinetic ability beyond anything world ever saw from this power. But what made her really dangerous was the fact that the pressure generated from this could easily shift, tilt, or shake the earth itself. On any big body of water, reckless usage of that power could lead to unparalleled havoc through the creation of colossal, land-destroying tsunami waves. Which was probably why for a while, any capitan was extremely scared to take the strongest telekinesis user onboard.

As Aunt Kaori, incredibly powerful woman in her own right, once put it, at times, aunt Hoshimi seemed like a human incarnation of hakai-ryoku, destructive force. It was so strange that her best friend, the gentle and sweet-spoken aunt Hasako, brought blossoming fields and rich variety of life wherever she stepped.

"Yes, indeed she is. To think that there are so many strong people around us... it makes me feel dizzy" Miya theatrically putting a hand to her forehead.

"Yeah. To think that they would fight each other in Worst Timeline gives me chills..."

Everyone felt something cold shift in their insides.

Worst Timeline was a path of fate in which, due to misfortune and ill fate, Touma died, and his faction was consumed by infighting due to rage and grief, which led the world to unprecedented war, involving most of the people unleashing their abilties with disregard to safety of the uninvolved or even themselves.

Every child of Kamijou Touma knew of it, and to some extent, feared it. It was akin to subliminal dread, a apocryphal story told when someone was misbehaving. Distant, seemingly unreal, but also chillingly morbid.

"L-Let's not talk about Worst Timeline today." Aoife cut the conversation, pointing at the shore" Better look there. New arrivals!"

One after the other, the other people started to arrive.

The group of boats made of paper reached the shore.

"Mom!" Shishi ran forward, as Itsuwa spread her arms, catching her smiling daughter" You made it"

"Of course we did" Itsuwa replied, reciprocating the smile" And more are arriving still. Everything your dad's getting involved with always grows to big proportions in the end... whether it is bad or, thankfully, good, as in this case"

A girl with black hair and matching dark dress jumped ashore followed by a tall woman in asymmetrically cut indigo dress, accentuating her legs and very big chest. She was wearing a ponytail and a pristine white ribbon.

"Kenjou! Aunt Kaori!"

"Everyone!"

They weren't alone. Soon, on land there were members of New Light: Lessar, sporting a very risque dress, Bayloupe, in a beautiful frost white ensemble, Lancis, with her outfit bearing the colours of brown and green, and Floris, with dress from blue and gold thread. Alongside them, there were three of their children (with already present Aoife being the foruth): The low-profile Brittania, commonly called simply Tannia, the glamorous and gently smiling Etain and the curious, ADHD-afflicted Rhain.

Leivinia Birdway walked on her trademark high heels. Instead of a dress, she wore a luxurious white fur, appearing like a mafia boss (which wasn't that far from truth, even if the nature of her organization wasn't as such in all meanings of the word) and a silver necklace on her moderate chest.

She was followed by her two twin daughters, Elizabeth and Mary, distinguished by looks alone only by different colours of dress accents, with letters E and M, respectively, etched on the sleeves.

Additionally, Tatemiya Saiji, with a strand of grey hair but in incredibly good and mischevious spirits, Tsushima (who whose partial source of Shishi's name, the other part coming from Kamijou Shiina), as well as number of other people from around the world, espers and magicians alike.

"Sister Angelene! Don't run around without care! You are bothering people" The alluring woman with blond hair and stern, stoic features, Sister Lucia, berated her younger companion.

If the taller nun leaned more toward sexy, the pigtailed woman by her side definitely retained youthful cuteness even in adulthood, as she pouted and stomped her foot on the ground

"But, but, sister Lucia... I want to see the church for the wedding!"

"There is no church." Lucia sighed, as all the nuns of Agnesian Order left the second paper boat" Weren't you listening? The wedding will take place in outer space. Besides, as for the rite... our bride is a practitioner of pantheism stemming from Hindu philosophy"

"Eeeh?!"

"And as for the groom..." Lucia shook her head, with a slight, fond smile" Kamijou Touma is... let's say that he is a practitioner of faith in human spirit. I heard that even in his deadly experiences, he prays to his own essence as a human being. I used to think of it as lacking... but maybe there is something beautifully universal about it... won't you agree, Sister Angelene?"

"Sniff, sniff... mmm, there is food out there..."

"Oi, don't run towards... sister Angelene, restrain yourself, this is for after the wedding!"

Meanwhile, the group of Kamijou siblings was ever growing.

"Angelo!" Takami hugged his younger brother" It was couple months. How are you doing, fratello? Are things going well in the monastery?"

The redheaded boy sighed, scratching his head.

"Well, I am good, nothing terrible has happened. Things are as always... prayer, cleaning, studying Bible, and so on, and so on... good thing I have my own religious studies to conduct. It is a bit monotone though, at times..."

"I bet that aunt Lucia would not be pleased with that" Ryodou remarked with a small smile.

"Truer words have never been spoken." Angelo spread his arms" If she ever found me, mercy on my body and soul. If it wasn't for dad and sister Angelene... oh, how I love her, she truly lives to her name, she is a true angel for giving me a bit of freedom..."

"Now, now, my dear son, you make me sound like some sort of a demon"

Angelo gulped and turned around, looking at the woman in a black habit shared with the rest of nuns present on the beach, the only difference being golden sash and equally coloured stripe across the headpiece. With eyes shining like pinkish red rubies, and hair cascading down like a waterfall of vibrant fire, Agnese Sanctis stretched her rosy lips in thin smile.

"Now. What were you talking about, hmmm?"

"Mom..." Angelo didn't look away, but suddenly, became a little more reserved than before.

"Aunt Agnese, you look well."Shishi offered" I hope that you have the prosperity and peace within your order"

"Thank you" Agnese smiled graciously" We take what Lord allows and try to do our best. Got to say, you are as lively of a bunch as always. Oh, I see the others will be arriving soon. I am sorry if our domestic deliberations..."

"Domestic deliberations?" Angelo crossed his arms" This is about my freedom"

Agnese dramatically put a hand to her forehead.

"Quel mio figlio! Se solo volesse imparare ciò di cui ha veramente bisogno per vedere la luce..."

"Mamma, basta così, per favore! We talked about this before, it's not like being a going for ecumenism and religious studies is in any way less valuable than being a monk or a friar!"

"Hmm... they do seem close" Parvati remarked, as she and Tsubasa listened to the exchange of mixed italian words and finger waving" Even if a bit controlling, you can tell that she cares about him"

"Well, Angelo inherited his mom's love of religion, but the desire to get to everyone regardless of everything is clearly from dad's influence... as for closeness... mmm, you think so?"

"I am certain" the brown-skinned girl nodded vigorously" You never invest your feelings so intently without any outright proof if someone isn't important to you"

"Maybe you are right..." Takami pointed at Kenjou and Aoife, who managed to already have sparks flying between them and were discussing something with vivid gesticulations" Though, our older sisters didn't set the example at all"

"I think their rivalry sparkles of sisterly love"

"Hmm, your naivette is what truly sparkles in the dullness of this world, Parvati" came a voice from behind her.

They looked back to see a impeccably dressed teen with combed black hair and suit, with a pair of glasses on his nose, that he now put into his pocket.

"Kaizumi onii-san!" Shishi hugged the intellectual boy, who awkwardly patted her head" Does it mean-"

"Yeah, mother and others from the City are here already" Kaizumi pointed beside himself" I am more surprised that you failed to notice"

On the other side of the beach, few supersonic jets landed, and people already disembarked.

Seria was talking with Misaki, both dressed in a festive dresses, and showcasing expertly crafted hairstyles. Next to her, Mikoto was looking at Hayate with a smile on her face.

As a leading neurosurgeon in Certain Hospital, taught by Heaven Canceller himself to fulfill Railgun's childhood dream of helping dystrophic patients, Mikoto was well equipped to aid Hayate in development of his medical talents. He was far too young to practice, but by this point, he was nearly as good as Mikoto herself

"Hi, Hayate-kun" the woman with medium length-chestnut hair and small Gekota sticker on her white dress waved her hand" How are you doing?"

"Good. I wanted to say hello to you. It's good to see you here" the boy replied in curt manner, looking around" Are your sisters here too?"

"W-Well, it would be impractical to take all of them to the orbit, so we will have few representatives from the entire Network"

"I see"

"How is time with your siblings?"

"Fine enough. Although..." the thin boy glanced at his quarrelling sisters, touching one of gloves on his hands" They are loud. Perhaps, maybe just a little, low-effect bacterial colony to make them just a little bit quieter..."

"Don't infect any of your siblings, everyone needs to be healthy for the wedding!" Mikoto chuckled, elbowing the boy" Sheesh, you have such a dark sense of humour, you know that?"

"Do I?" Hayate smiled faintly, and turned around, waving his hand ever so slightly.

"He always was a strange kid" Seria said with a raised eyebrow" Not really similar to either one of his parents"

"Oh, bite your tongue, you hag" Misaki huffed and shook her head" I... looked into his mind, once. He has... great burden ability due to his past experiences. Yet, deep down, he is more complex and sensitive than most people care for to acknowledge."

"I know, I know, I can tell that much. I said strange, and in a sense, every member of this bizarre family is strange in one way or the other..." Seria amended" It seems Mikoto-san is the only one whom he respects from his parents and siblings"

"I have to agree with Mental Out here" came the voice of Mugino Shizuri, as she spoke, leaning on the trunk of the palm tree. The other three turned to face her" The kid may be quiet and isolated, but his heart is definitely in a right place. He just has a bit of a hard time showing certain things. And this is one thing, the other is that here, in this family, more than anything, appearances doesn't mean shit. I know more than anything, starting from child that came from my very womb"

Three women in front of her nodded. They knew what Meltdowner was referring to.

Because of the convergence of many powerful bloodlines, part of new generation possessed impressive abilities. And few of Kamijou Touma's children were feared because of that.

In particular, Kamijou Shimitsu, Kamijou Hayate, as well as Kamijou Ryodou. Radiation. Plague. Overwhelming fortitude.

But those who knew them were aware that despite appearances, those children were goodhearted and noble in their own ways.

As this discussion took place, the siblings carried on, welcoming newly arrived and having fun among themselves.

"Say, Liz..."

"Actually, I am Mary..." one of the blond twins fidgeted slightly, while the other grinned widely.

"Yup, I am Liz."

"B-But the signs on the sleeves..."

"I swapped them up." Elizabeth grinned mischievously" Now I can enjoy people messing up with our names every single time"

"You are diabolical..." Takami whispered, shaking his head.

Elizabeth turned his head to him and smiled sweetly

"Hmm... is that any way to speak to your lovely little sister?"

"What lovl-UGH!"

The blond turned around after Takami bent and fell to one knee from the punch to the stomach.

"Another wave of people is coming! Wow, it sure is getting crowded out here"

Surely, Sogiita Gunha soon arrived alongside Hokaze Junko. Saten Ruiko and her brother Kenko arrived alongside Uiharu Kazari and Shirai Kuroko. Seemingly out of nowhere, Transcendents and Magic Gods arrived, Niang-Niang, Nephthys, Proseprina, Nuada, and Chimera, as well as Alice Anotherbibble, Anna Sprengel, Hermes Trismegistus, Witch Goddess Aradia, Bologna Succubus, Mut Thebes, and Vidhatri

Others arrived also from Academy City. Kamijou Touma's classmates, including mothers of his children, such as Fukiyose Seiri and Himegami Aisa, his best male friends, Tsuchimikado and Aogami, teachers: Tsukuyomi Komoe, Oyafune Suama, and Hamazura Shiage with wife and children, Hanatsuyu Twins, Mitsuari Ayu alongside Kankyougami Hasako, Musujime Awaki, Kouzaku Mitori, and many, many other guests from the City and beyond.

Hasako, a gentle woman with a dress adorned in leaf motifs and wearing a festive wreath of flowers on her head smiled as her daughter, Shizuka, looked at her with hopeful expression.

"What are you waiting for? Go on..." she kissed the girl on the forehead and give her a little push

Shzuka nodded and ran forward, gently bowing in front of almost every person she bumped into.

"As polite and courteous as ever, that Shizuka-chan" Maidono leaned on Hasako's shoulder with a grin" Definitely takes after mommy, no, Hasacchi?"

"I suppose she do-" Hasako paused, looking at Maidono up and down" Hoshimi... why is there a rip in your dress?"

Maidono maintained a stone-firm face face for a couple of moments more.

"I... tripped. And it got like this"

"It's suspiciously positioned on your belly"

Maidono turned her head away.

Hasako raised an eyebrow.

"You just tore it off with your ability, didn't you?"

"I had to, Hasacchi" Maidono turned around dramatically" It's a big event, and I want to look beautiful. This clothing is oppressing me! I agree with Sena-chan. What's the point of having such a beautiful asset if I can't show it?!"

"Alright, but why belly when you are already showing the legs?!"

"Those are a perfect package. Long, slender legs, and beautifully built belly make me who I am!"

"You have a husband already, what's the point of wanting to show off?"

"The point is to be proud of your beauty and show it to other girls"

"Over a half of women here is in the same position of matrimony as we are"

"Doesn't matter! I am doing this for myself too"

"You don't have to be exhibitionist to do so"

"How is showing my legs and belly exhibitionism? You lived in this era for so long now, and yet Showa mentality when it comes to social events remains? We are not in 1940s anymore"

"Just cover it!"

"NEVER!"

Meanwhile, Shizuka reached the others and went for a hug.

"Shizuka-chan, you are here! I see so many of us... that's so rare!

"Mmm! And I show you something even rarer! Look!" she shouted with happiness" The Queen Brittania II is almost here."

The enormous ship, dwarfing all other vessels and compared only to Tornado, appeared in the bay.

On the deck, someone was waving to them. A girl with a messy blond hair and dark eyes, dressed in burgundy red dress.

"OI! EVERYONE! WE ARE HE-OW!"

She was hit on the head by the fist of a woman wearing similar coloration of crimson and gold, with a blond hair of slightly lighter tone.

"Mother! That hurt! What was that for?" the girl yelled at the woman.

"Listen up, my idiot of a daughter!" the woman pushed back" How many times do I need to tell you not to shout and announce ourselves like a band of barbaric apes? Follow the diplomatic protocol. We are royalty, for heaven's sake!"

"But they are not some boring dignitaries. They are our family"

"Kira Averil Windsor-Kamijou, even so, you are second to the throne, and you will be the Sword of the King. You need to be composed and disciplined"

"Like you were at that age, Carissa? I remember it a bit differently... and then, years later, there was something about a coup d'etat..."

Princess Carissa looked at the majestically dressed woman on her right, with black hair tied on her head, allowing just enough to fall on the sides of her neck not to overshadow the rest of her upper body. In contrast to Carissa's crimson and gold, her regal dress was indigo and silver. A golden crown adorned her head, and her deep blue eyes seemed to pierce through the air as if she knew the untold secrets of the world, the feeling, which was completed by small smile which her lips were forming.

Carissa reddened slightly and cleared her throat, looking at her older sister, Queen Rimea.

"Sister, I am just trying to make her learn"

"You should know better, Risa." Rimea countered lightly, adjusting her signature golden monocle" that pressuring the responsibility will yield the opposite effect. If you will try to make sure that she doesn't repeat your mistakes, she might become like you out of spite. And even if she doesn't fall into the same traps, she will make another mistakes. You cannot be overprotective like that. You don't have to prove yourself. Being a mother is not a competition, you know"

"O-Of course I know that. I-It's not like I am trying to prove anything to either of you... or to him" Carissa mumbled, crossing her arms.

Behind her back, Princess Kira stuck her tongue out and bolted to the side of the deck. She resumed waving, although in slightly more dignified manner.

"This girl is as untamed as you, and she clearly has his unyielding bravery in the most that counts" Rimea said, watching the closing shore" Trying to control her is like trying to grab flame and force it to keep its shape"

"I am just saying that with our heir to the throne being as-"

Carissa paused, as she noticed Rimea's eyes.

"Go on..."

Carissa opened her mouth and then closed it, before shaking her head.

"... eccentric" she finally finished her assessment of Rimea's son" It would be nice if someone with strong, grounded mentality was by his side when he assumes the throne"

"I assure you, Leo is responsible when it matters. He has a spirit of a true ruler... hmm?"

Rimea turned around to Villian. The youngest princess, dressed in leafy green, was standing next to William Orwell, who donned the biggest size of tuxedo available in the royal wardrobe.

"Sister..." Villian muttered unsurely" Leo... he..."

"MY QUEEN!" Shouts erupted from behind them" The prince is..."

"Leo jumped to the water" Villian finished.

The sisters ran towards the railing. And indeed, noticed the black haired silhouette swimming between the waves.

"Villian!" Carissa erupted, turning to their gentle sibling, as Rimea sighed and shook a head, smile not leaving her lips" Why didn't you stop him? I am going for him now!"

"Mother, I want to swim too!" Kira also reached for the railing, but Carissa grabbed her by the hand.

"Oh no, don't you dare, young lady! You are staying here!"

"You won't tell me what to do! You want me to be strong, so I will prove my will by going after him"

"You will look like a mess!"

"You suddenly care about that?!"

"He is not alone" Villian pointed, her face clearly indicating that she tried stop herself from laughing.

As Carissa and Rimea squinted their eyes, they noticed another silhouette amidst the waves...

"Mother..." all three of the sisters spoke in unison.

"Faster, faster! Who taught you to swim, grandson? The last one on the shore gets the worst place at the ceremony!" shouted the elderly woman in a swimsuit.

"You got it, grandma!" the black haired and blue-eyed boy, Leonard Edward Windsor-Kamijou, accepted the challenge and got to swimming even faster.

"So it seems..." William shook his head, watching from above the royal sisters" Lady Elizard never changes. Even at such an advanced age, she has a vitality of five women."

"You were saying something about responsibility?" Carissa said with her face hidden behind her hand.

"Well, they are still young and needs to learn a lot..." Rimea agreed" But I am not all that worried. Leo is a bit of an eccentric and has a desire for uniqueness... he takes after me in that regard..."

She ran a hand through a lock of hair, which she always kept black, despite its original blond colouring.

"Yet, while he may have my desire to learn, my intelligence... he has something I didn't possess for a long, long time..."

"What is it then?"

The queen's smile got noticeably warmer.

"He trusts others. His heart is open to forming bonds, and understanding of others, even if he doesn't always do the right thing, he tries to connect, tries to link to the hearts of those he cares about. One day, those people will also include his subjects. This seeking of understanding and connection is his father's gift to our bloodline... one I will be forever grateful for."

"I like this sentiment" Villian agree" Our next generation of royal family is amazing-"

"Villian, you are the one spoiling them when you think we are not looking"

"E-Eh? N-Noooo..." third princess looked to the side, trying to appear innocent" I just love spending time with my niece and nephew, that's all there is to it...ehehehe..."

"Mhm... right..."

Rimea beaconed one of the staff to herself.

"Please tell the Her Excellency The Archbishop, Lady Hyouka, and Great Inquisitor that we are about to go on land"

"At once, your majesty"

And five minutes later, Queen Regnant, Royal Princesses, a husband of one of them, as well as second Princess's daughter, stepped on the shore.

They were joined by the wrinkly, yet energetic and triumphant Queen Mother, Elizard, dripping with water.

"Yahooo! I won! I am a queen of the seas!"

"Mother, please, cover yourself!" Villian said, scanning for the towel, before William gave it to her" Oh, thank you dearest..."

"Not a problem" the muscular man nodded, crossing his arms" A warrior must be prepared for many eventualities"

Meanwhile, Leonard decided to scare two of his sisters, Tannia and Seika, half to death, by jumping at them out of the waves. Now, the future king was chased by furious daughter of Lessar, who proved herself to be as good in jumping as her mother. It culminated in short-haired brunette tackling Leo to the ground, just when three other people stepped onto the land.

Index had full Archbishop robe, with golden insignia and white habit, with golden headband in the midst of the headpiece, and brown pilgrim sandals on her feet. By her side was Stiyl Magnus, who fortunately managed to stunt his growth enough not to become a true titan among humans due to the cigarettes he kept smoking. His long red hair blew on the wind, as he cast long, neutral gaze on the beach.

"It's okay, Hyouka. You can go"

"Thank you, uncle Stiyl. I will be fine with my siblings in just a moment"

Stiyl looked like he wanted to say something, but instead, focus on leading Kamijou Hyouka down the ramp.

An adult woman with silver hair held Stiyl's arm, as they descended to the sand. Dressed in simple brown robe with blue sash with golden astrological symbols etched into material, the girl had a black blindfold-like accessory that covered her eyes and ran across the circumference of her head.

She looked around, without seeing a single thing, and yet taking the feeling of the scenery to her heart, as her siblings ran towards her.

"Hey. Don't flock her, give her some space, you brats" Stiyl spread his arms but Hyouka touched him and shook her head.

"It's okay. I will be fine."

"It's okay" Kanzaki repeated, as she came to Stiyl's side" You can let her go to them"

She sighed.

"Don't push yourself or her too hard"

"Just doing my job" Stiyl muttered, before leaving with a flutter of his robe.

Kanzaki smiled softly.

'It must be hard for you... but I am proud that at least most of the time you see not only the child of a man you hated, but a daughter of a woman you loved.'

Meanwhile, Hyouka was mingling with her family.

Everyone... oh, is everyone here? I felt a lot of footsteps..."

"There are many" Ryoudo said, stopping in front of blindsighted oracle" Not all. But soon, we will go to space. We are waiting for father, uncle Accelerator, and those travelling with them"

"I see..." Hyouka moved her head to left and right" It seems like a nice day outside... tell me, is the sky blue? I think it is, I feel great warmth on my skin"

"It is, sister..."

Meanwhile, some distance away, diplomatic pleasantries were exchanged

"Welcome, miss Seria. Is Accelerator here? I would like to exchange greetings with him" Rimea said to Kumokawa Seria.

"No, but as a Vice-Chairman and Head of Development Strategies, I represent City here, while he is not present" Kumokawa answered formally." I hope you will not have to wait long, your majesty"

"Hmm? I guess I will make do..."

"Is it just me or is there a tension between aunt Seria and aunt Rimea?" Junya, son of Yumiya Iruka, asked in hushed tone towards Leo. Takami and few other boys also closed in. They too noted the friction between two busty, serious brunettes and were curious to its source.

Young prince shrugged.

"Some older history. I think aunt Seria was a bit jealous when she discovered dad's correspondence with my mom, in aunt's own timeline, and it carried to the Unified World. Don't know the details, it's probably better to ask big brother Kaizumi... but I think I heard uncle Pierce talk about this and say that it's... old as time conflict between a senpai and... milk?"

"I doubt milk was the word he used" Chousuke muttered under his breath" but swap one letter, and it becomes crystal clear"

But then, all eyes were suddenly turned to the sky, were last planes started to close up on the island.

"Kongou Airlines, huh..." Mikoto looked at Kongou in amusement" You really don't allow him to travel in anything else?"

"Why would he?" huffed the Aero Hand" I can assure him the utmost comfort and it's my form of expressing my love for him"

"I think we saw that love of yours" Misaki rolled her eyes, and twirled her remote" On couple of serveral occasions, you kissed him so hard that he almost passed out. Shall we review some memories?"

"W-Well, I am firm believer in expressivity..."

"Either that or you were a god damn algae eater in past life? And I thought I kiss agressively" Mugino smirked, shaking her head.

"N-Not aggressively, expressively!"

(MEANWHILE, ON BOARD OF THE PLANE)

"A-Are you sure, dad?" Kamijou Sei looked shyly at Kamijou Touma" I am going to be the flower girl?"

"Yeah, Sei-chan" Touma smiled, fiddling with collar of his suit" I think you will be perfect"

"B-But am I really-

"I think it's a splendid idea."Wannai Kinuho, helping Touma with a tie, smiled at Himegami Aisa's daughter" Mizumi will accompany you, if you are fearing to go alone. Right, Mizumi-chan?"

She addressed her daughter.

Green-eyed girl with black, wavy hair squeezed Sei's hand.

"Yeah, you will be with me. It will be fine. We will be the best flowergirls in the world"

"S-Sorry... I am your older sister, and yet I am s-s-such a mess..."

Sei and Mizumi were 17th and 18th daughter, respectively.

"It's alright..."

"Maaya, can't wait to see Hayate?" Touma shouted with a smile to a brunette standing next to the window

Awatsuki Maaya nodded and smiled

"Yes. I always worry about him a little too much"

"Well, we all think about our children. We are their mothers so it's completely natural"

Kaibi, Rikuri, as well as their respective children, Haruto and Chinatsu, appeared in the entrance, accompanied by Othinus on the wheelchair pushed by .

"We are landing" Wannai smiled, dusting herself off" It's so exciting too! You look wonderful! Good luck!"

She gave Touma a small peck on the cheek, before turning to Awatsuki.

"Shall we prepare for landing?"

"Indeed we shall, Kinuho-san"

As they left, Touma hugged his daughters

"Don't worry, it will be fine. I will be happy for you just being here for me"

Mizumi nodded and got to her feet, but Sei didn't seem convinced.

"D-Dad... I don't know... what if trip and spill the petals... or faint from everyone looking at me... or..."

Touma crouched down and put a hand on the girl's hand.

"Your mother named you Seiri after your brave aunt, her best friend, so a part of her can always make your soul more valiant too"

"B-But I am anything like aunt Seiri!"

"That's not entirely true... well, your personalities are completely different but... how do I put this..." Touma thought for a moment, before resuming" You have every right to be brave and bold"

"Huh?"

"Sei... you know how I had many, many parallel lives before you, all of your siblings... and this whole world as a whole, came together?"

"Yeah, I know."

"And do you remember, in one of those lives... do you remember a story of how I proposed to your mom?"

The face of the fringe-haired brunette lit up.

"Yes! I... I love that story!"

"Then you must know that there are many things to take from how your mom said she felt. I think it may serve you well. Not only because Aisa is your mother, but because this is something that you need to remember. Listen to me, Sei... never forget that you have the right to be seen and heard... you are worth it, always"

Tears glimmered in Sei's eyes as she hugged Touma.

"Thanks dad. You always know how to cheer me up. Do you really mean it? It's not... impossible?"

"I saw my fair share of impossible sights. I once brought your mom back from the dead, and died myself, so... yeah, there is no telling what is truly possible or impossible when it comes to the future"

"Yes, you would know all about that" Kaibi laughed, as she stepped to his side.

"We are about to land. It's almost time."

As Sei and Mizumi ran along, Touma looked at Kaibi.

"I can't help but wonder. This wedding... why not take place in the specific timeline? Why is this one taking place in Unified World?"

"Who knows? You should ask Nephthys and Niang-Niang. Even if this is a bit out of ordinary, you shouldn't worry about it. It's still better than all-world apocalypse. Worst Timeline is hell on earth? I never ever want to have something like this happen here"

Touma put arm around Measure Heart, looking at her with questioning eyes.

"I know that look" Kaibi spoke before he managed to say anything" Why do you think about the future in moments like those? And why are you... concerned about me?"

"Kaibi, you are doing so much for me. And in our timeline-"

"Sssh!" Kaibi put finger on Touma's lips" This is our private little secret. Those moments were happiest in my life. If I have to aid your mind, or soothe your body, I will do it in a heartbeat. Because I love you. You think I did a lot for you? You helped my family more than I can repay you for. It was only natural I wanted our worlds to remain together."

"I know that back then, when we got together in the other world... you said that you felt you always knew..."

Kaibi nodded, already knowing what Touma wanted to say.

"Except for the fact that I was lusting for Kakine's influence, I only stuck with SCHOOL to protect you. Back then, I thought I only did it for Amazora and Rikuri, but when we reunited... you did something no one else did before. You broke the painted prison I made from myself, ended the farce when I pretended to be anyone but myself on that stage of darkness, and took my hand to show me how I can genuinely be loved, even with how broken I was... how broken we all were. From this moment on, I knew I want to be together, alongside my sisters, in your embrace, and nowhere else..."

She blushed deeply, and pouted at him.

"S-Still admitting it was so embarrassing... wait, are you trying to make me flustered?"

"You do look really cute when you are embarrassed, I can't deny that"

"Moron" she mumbled, elbowing him with a smile" Well, as long as you feel better, and not overthink things"

Touma looked at the crowd through the window.

"Speaking of overthinking... I am happy... yet worried. It seems to be a routine this days. Kaibi, are you content with the way things are turning out?"

"Hmm, let me think..." the woman in a pink dress, and wavy blond hair put a finger to her cheek" I seem to be safe, with my sisters happier than ever, I have a nice job, strong, handsome husband, and son that I love to bits. Most importantly, I am finally myself, and aid others to not making the mistakes I made... yeah, I think..."

She closed her eyes and softly pecked Touma on the lips, before cupping his face between her hands, her eyes gleaming slightly.

"I think I am pretty madly in love with you. Does this answer your question?"

"Well, this misfortunate Kamijou will take everything he can."

"That is not a satisfying answer for me!"

"Mom, dad..." came a voice by their side. They looked at their son, Haruto, who was looking at the ceiling" Emm... can you not... in front of me?"

"Come on, Haru, don't tell me you are tsundere like your mom?" Touma joked, which earned him another elbow to the side

"Not really... but you should focus more on the wedding"

"Yes, yes, you are right, enough of this..."

"Dad, can you help me with aunt Othinus?" came the voice of Chinatsu, as he and her mother Rikuri walked around the wheelchair.

"Yeah, I am coming. Where is Tenma?"

"Grabbing our spacesuits"

"Good." Touma walked away, as Kaibi straightened Haruto's tie.

"M-Mom... stop..."

"You look marvellous. Haru, you know what?" Kaibi smiled, putting her hand on top of his head" I love you"

"Seriously, stop!" the boy scoffed, crossing his arms" Why do you keep saying that?"

"I am sorry, it's just... when it came to my childhood..." Measure Heart smiled nostalgically" I don't think I heard enough of that. I just... don't want to repeat that"

Haruto got quiet.

"Oh, I... didn't think about it like that. Well, in that case..." he smiled, somewhat awkwardly, before giving a quick hug to his mom" I... love you too"

"Thank you, I love you even more" Kaibi reciprocated the hug, before speaking more strictly" Haru, I know saying this to any of you is partially a lost cause, but don't get into trouble. And do not try to use your ability to go around it."

"Pfft! Me, using my ability? Heh... never!"

"Be like Chi-chan. She is a proper lady through and through"

"Mom, I am not like that because it would be boring as hell. I love my share of the thrill"

"Then love it somewhere else other than a wedding"

Meanwhile Touma spoke with Chinatsu. Rikuri's daughter, despite relatively young age, already began to show some of the distinguishing features of her mother's physique. Yet even though she was bound to become an alluring young woman in due time, and shared Rikuri's protective aura, she was much more innocent and reserved.

"Dad!" She was currently pouting, while pointing at the wheelchair" Auntie Othinus is not cooperating. She will not sit still, can you talk with her?"

"I have our space sui-" Tenma, adopted son of Kamijou Touma and Othinus, who just entered the plane's partitioned room, cringed slightly" Ay, we are doing this again-"

"Human! This is unacceptable! A god should not be riding on such a humiliating instrument" Othinus protested, trying to stand up.

Touma and Tenma exchanged glances.

"Othinus... we talked about this..." Touma began calmly" You know why this is put in place... you are weaker than usual, and floating aimlessly may be risky in your condition-"

"I am only pregnant, I am not handicapped. I am a war goddess! You can't be serious! Not in front of everyone..."

"Mom..." Tenma interjected" You say you are so strong, but remember when I had to catch you in the kitchen few days ago? You almost fell on your belly..."

"W-Well, thank you... I might have gone a little too far in trying to show how capable I still am"

"Othi-chan, no one thinks you are incapable" Touma assured

"R-Right" Chinatsu joined them" You are incredibly amazing!"

Long story short, Magic Goddess Othinus wanted to bear Kamijou Touma's child for quite some time, ever since Unified World came to be and suddenly, Kamijou Family grew exponentially. For many years, it seemed completely impossible, which led to adoption of Tenma. And while Othinus adored her adopted son, and raised him as her own, she never stopped trying to find a solution to not be left out of the maternal club.

And finally, finally, with help of magic, medicine, and chemistry (Index, Nephthys, Misaka Mikoto, and Rikuri, specifically) Othinus got pregnant. It was nothing short of a miracle.

However, with said miracle came number of limitations that had to be imposed. While Othinus was vocationally ready and realized those constrains on a rational level, she wasn't the most patient or gracious pregnant person. Thus, father and son formed alliance to survive.

This particular pregnancy weakened the body significantly, and it was of utmost importance for Othinus not to overexert herself. This would pose danger not only to her, but also to the baby. Additionally, to make sure everything went smoothly, Othinus had to drink a fairly disgusting tasting medicine that Rikuri made for her, every single day.

On better days, she accepted with dignity. On worse, she got a little grumpy.

Well, perhaps due to the fact that she had a huge hormonal shift, and also due to the fact that in order to battle the biggest hurdle to the pregnancy, that is, her size shifts, a solution was put in place.

This solution caused Othinus's baby to be carried to a specifically crafted micro-phase, de facto freezing it in time in which Othinus was fairy sized. If it wasn't done, the changes to the body could affect the baby negatively. While Othinus was grateful for that trick, it had one unfortunate side effect.

The pregnancy itself would last twice as long than normal one, that is, 18 months instead of nine.

"I know..." the former goddess sighed, wiping the sweat off her brow" I know that it must be like this. Rikuri, I thank you for your care"

"Think nothing of it" the busty chemist waved her hand with a warm smile" Keeping Touma happy by caring about you and your child is like burst of endorphins to me"

"You must be frustrated, with how long it's taking" Touma commented, putting a hand on Othinus's belly.

Despite pregnancy being in its 4th month, the belly barely looked like one and a half, pronounced but not big, despite the baby developing quicker than regular fetus.

"Thinking about overall picture, it is not so strange at all" Othinus sighed, massaging the belly" I am a norse god. There are many peculiar pregnancies in our myths. Like Heimdall being born of nine mothers. And do not even get me started on Loki having a wolf, a snake, half-corpse, and a stallion... that last of which he was a mother of... still, I think this fuss a little bit much!"

"Othinus, you heard the medical opinion. Overexertion is a big no, and in your case, overexertion can be something that no one would even consider such on a regular. You could learn from example of Mary and Orsola, who had to stay with their own kids, but if you insist on being here, please stay put, so I won't have to worry"

"And what about Naru?"

"Sakurai is getting big enough to be here... even though he is just as much of a troublemaker as Naru..."

"Oh, fine" Othinus sighed" I will do my best to stay put. You have a bride to focus on"

"Last bride, if what Nephthys and Hyouka are telling me is true. Unless something changes, and this is always a possibility..." Touma smiled" You are right, let's make it very memorable"

The plane touched down.

"Hmm... anyway, lot of people are gathered huh?"

He noticed many, many of his best friends, family members, and diplomatic envoys.

As Touma scanned through the crowd, taking into account many faces, he felt that something is amiss. As if he was missing something... or someone.

He shivered slightly, shaking his head to dispel the feeling.

Then he took notice of a small family that never failed to make him smile.

Sogiita Gunha was jumping higher than entire crowd, small fireworks of colour shooting around him as he grinned widely, waving in the air.

On the ground, Junko was equally enthusiastic... well, somehow, it was dignified enthusiasm, as ladylike charm was present with many things concerning this woman with ringlet curls, even if she smiled brightly and waved her hand like crazy.

Next to their mother were two children, girl and a boy, equal in age, being dizygotic twins. They too were cheering with much greater degree of enthusiasm than those around them.

Touma smiled, chuckling at the sight.

Gunha and Junko were one of his best friends, and closest people to the family, equal to Maika and Motoharu's family, as well as relative's of Kamijou family via his parents. Touma also had great fondness of their kids.

Well, 'their' in this context meaning children of Gunha, Junko, and... himself, in the most bizarre twist of events human could think of.

Which probably explained why it wasn't a human who conceived it in the first place.

With many timelines having Touma's so called 'romantic routes' there was only one probability of him being together with Misaki and Gunha's best friend, Hokaze Junko. While in all other possibilities, Junko ended in matrimony with Sogiita Gunha, in this singular timeline, Touma and Junko had a fulfilling relationship, marked with camaraderie, cuteness, and lots, and lots of fighting side by side.

However, this phase had a tragic twist to it. Split version of Touma, now integrated within him, was strangely devoid of most of the memories regarding the harrowing events, maybe due to intense grief, but one thing was certain.

That other Hokaze Junko died together with Touma's child due to pregnancy complications.

The story could have ended there, but due to divine intervention of Magic Goddess Niang-Niang, the child was taken from dying mother's womb, and placed within other possible Hokaze Junko, painted onto the phase like a new fragment of a painting. This Junko was integrated into Future Phase with twins, even though she was supposed to give birth to the only child.

As such, she carried twins from two different fathers, with one being a survivour from the other version of their mother, with no actual cheating involved.

To put it bluntly, even though both boy and girl were born as children of Sogiita Gunha and Hokaze Junko, Touma was the father of one of them.

It was a very, very confusing decision on Niang-Niang's part, and she was really cryptic about it, Touma learning after the fact that the Shijie-Xian had her reasons for choosing Junko as one of her favourites, and that both children of Ramage Dress could be involved in the Prophecy.

Touma remembered first time he talked about it with Gunha very vividly.

(FLASHBACK)

After listening to him, Gunha nodded.

After a moment, a fist collided with Touma's cheek, causing him to fly through the sliding door.

Imagine Breaker slammed into the ground, coughing and groaning.

'Well, this is understandable. I am not blaming him one bit' Touma thought, as Gunha stepped through broken shoji, closing in on him' In fact, I am going to let him have as much satisfaction as he wants'

Touma closed his eyes, preparing for the next punches.

But those never came.

Instead, he heard a voice

"Touma. Are you hurt? You know, my guts sometimes get the better of me, but for a test punch, I didn't want to break anything or something like that... come on, get up"

He opened his eyes to see Gunha extending his hand.

Touma blinked in confusion and slowly accepted the hand of his friend.

As he stood up, he muttered slowly

"You... believe me?"

"Yup. I wasn't sure, but that's why I tested you"

"Tested me?"

"Yeah! I know your guts by now. You are not the type who would let someone clobber you and not hit back if you felt it was unjust. And because you were convinced you were guilty and were going allow me to hit you, I figured you must be telling the truth. Also, my kids are twins. There is no gap for anyone to be a different father via cheating, because they were both born from one pregnancy. Finally, I know that you would not force yourself on Junko-chan. You were never greedy when it came to women. You always said that you never wanted attention, right? Someone like that making moves on friend's wife? It doesn't add up"

Touma stared at him for a moment.

"What?"

"It's just... wow, you rarely are so...analytic"

"Analytic? Pssh, no, I am not the type for big braining. But I am all for action! Something, clashing your fists will tell you more than mere words. The power of muscles, the call of guts, the pressure of gaze, and conviction behind the blow... that's the message I can hear"

"You heard that when you punched me through the shoji door?"

"More or less. Enough to learn that your guts are in the right place, and you are still my brother from another mother that I would jump into the fire for"

"And you... really inferred all of that... heard it all when you punched my face?"

"Heard? No, punches do not use words. It's like... calling of my guts. Trembling of my vital power. Sure of clarity within the fortitude of my muscles. You get it?"

Touma didn't get it. But he was very much acquainted with Gunha's eccentricity, so he was used to believing in his explanations without the need of their justification.

"I am... touched, really, by this level of faith. I don't think I deserve it. But I would do it for you too"

"Sure, I know that. As for all of the Magic God mischief... that's over my head. I am taking your word for it. Hey, you are spending as much time with us, with your own kids and on your own, that you might as well be a second dad with me. Well, I only meant it in honorary sense, but life is weird"

Two men moved to the patio as they talked. Gunha poured them a little sake and then they sat down.

The house of Gunha and Junko were traditionally styled japanese mansion, which was also a dojo for any and all willing to train various fighting styles. The couple were both running it, with Junko additionally overseeing operations of sector of japanese banking she gained due to her family's guidance and heritage.

"So..." Gunha's muscular arms rested on tatami mats, his wildly styled hair moving slightly on the breeze that caused the chimes to resound" What's the fuss with the kids anyway? Why bother saving Junko's, why not anyone else?"

"Niang-Niang is one of my wives" Touma responded seriously" so I don't doubt in her good will. But she is not the type to do something only from benevolence. From what I gathered... Gunha, one of the kids may have a part to play in Prophecy, while the other may be a Catalyst. That is, from their actions it will be determined whether or not the prophecy commences at all"

"I see... Prophecy, huh?" the level 5 cringed" That is one though guts to embrace and feel... damn, why can't all the problems in the world be simply punched away?"

Touma chuckled at that.

"You sound like Seiri"

"I will take it as a compliment. Little stern, but other than that, we can be on the same page. Incredible woman, with relentlessly incredible guts of her soul and heart. Tell her I said hi"

"Will do"

"So they will be a part of something big... very big"

"I'm afraid so"

"Eh? Don't be afraid, old friend" Gunha flashed a smile" The worst fear is the one you can't picture or... well, punch away. Wait until you see what you are fighting against or if you even fighting at all. Then you'll see. You can only fight or talk or do whatever else as you are right now. That is, how to put it, in the present."

"Perhaps you are right... no, you are truly right... thanks, Gunha."

"No problem at all"

At this time, other people appeared in the traditional zen garden, just as the cherry petals fell down, carried by the wind. Both Gunha and Touma noticed the newcomers and watched them for a moment, not yet noticed themselves.

Hokaze Junko, now Sogiita Junko to be precise, blossomed into mature, kind, and naturally beautiful young woman. She nevertheless never lost her fighting spirit and tenacity, but most of the time, she was sweet as sugar and certainly more beneficial to one's wellbeing, as her hospitability and charm was widely known, far and wide. Her wave of purple curls reached middle of her back, while sizeable chest was covered, together with alluring figure, by elegant, indoor white robe, which in turn completed with golden-laced sandals.

She was playing combination of catch with two of her children, laughing with them and allowing for them to theatrically defeat her, if either of them managed to launch a surprise attack. Some of those were, to Touma's surprise, not half bad.

Junko's motherly aura was so bright and warm that two men instantly felt at ease and smiling just be looking at the scene. Her children, twins born in the span of half an hour or so, also seemed to enjoy the sentiment.

Both Touma and Misaki had a big role in both caring for Junko during pregnancy and caring for her children in whatever way they could. It was natural that Junko and Gunha suggested that they would name children after them, but they, already having position of godparents (symbolic, since neither of the parents were christian) politely declined. Still, second name of the son of Sogiita family, as Touma noticed in amusement, was written in exact same kanji as his own name, only spelled with different syllables.

The girl, Akiko Senya, was flexible, energetic and vibrant in her movements, with black hair, that appeared windswept, with slim silhouette, and delicate, slightly oval face shape that seemed taken straight out of her mother's look, in addition to violet eyes. Akiko was extroverted, very talkative, often finding it easy to find common ground with Touma's children, and was a star of many sport events.

The boy, Genki Taima, sported purple hair of the same colour as Junko, but kept in straight, short cut similarly to Gunha or Touma. His face was also sharper than his sisters, yet he was definitely more reserved. Not to the point of shyness, but the politeness was undoubtedly one of Junko's influences. Genki was a boy that was a very good listener, good student, and compassionate soul, interested in history and poetry.

It was evident that somehow two siblings, that had two different fathers yet grown together in the same womb and pregnancy, were complimenting one another.

Touma knew it, watching them for a long time.

And now, watching them with their mother, he heard Gunha speak

"Do you have any guesses? Which one is yours?"

"I didn't... didn't think all that much. To be honest, I see more of Junko-san in them than any of our faces..."

"That's a good thing, for their looks"

They laughed together.

"Well, I have my suspicions..."

"So do I. This can probably be solved easily with some testing..."

Touma narrowed his eyes and shook his head.

"I have to prepare to tell them. I know I have to... but not yet. I will see to that, make sure the moment will be good for everyone."

"You can't hide this"

"I have no intention. It's just a delicate matter, very strange and difficult to explain."

"I think they suspect it anyway" Gunha said, nodding slowly.

"How?"

"I have great intuition, and I am sure that my children have it too. And you know what? I think they love you too. They feel you care for them. Both of them, equally"

This comment only steeled Touma's certainty on his next words.

"Gunha..." he motioned discreetly towards the children and Junko" regardless of this situation, please, continue to take care of them. Just like you said: both of them, equally. I know I don't really have to ask this of you, you told me you wanted to and considered both of them yours. I agree. Nothing happens without a reason, and there must be a reason for my blood entering your family and two of them growing side by side. I will not break this bond, nor rupture the harmony you established here. Only thing that are to be accounted for are such... due to the fact that you are like a brother to me, I will continue to take care of both of them, if something happened to you, just like Misaki promised Junko, and like I know you would to for the rest of my children"

Gunha slammed a fist on his chest. The sound echoed, causing Junko and the kids to notice them for the first time. The waved to them happily, the gesture, that they reciprocated.

"Of course! Strength of my guts will always be on your side!"

"Also... there is someone more important than our own perspectives on what to do..."

Gunha understood and grinned widely.

"Hah, that's true. This argument beats all the others"

Junko's happiness and comfort from being with two of her children came well before all Prophecies of the world, at least for now. On that, two fathers could agree without a second of hesitation. They would both, for different reasons, defend that happiness, just as Junko was protective of both of them, even if Gunha was her husband and (in her knowledge) father of both of her children.

As if beaconed by their thoughts, Junko gracefully approached the edge of the courtyard.

"Touma" she clapped her hands together with a gentle, welcoming smile" It's lovely to see you in our house! Please, do be a dear, and stay for some tea."

"Junko-san, I wouldn't want to be a bother..."

"Nonsense!" She playfully waved a finger at him" You presence here is always a delight!"

"Uncle Touma!" Akiko threw herself at the spiky-haired man" You have to stay! You have to see a summersault I learned! You can't leave until you see it a couple times"

Meanwhile, Genki nudged Touma and showed him a book he pulled from the small bag on his back.

"Oh, you found something interesting to read"

A nod.

"You want to show it to me, too?"

"Yeah..." came a quiet yet firm answer.

"Well, it seems you are outnumbered, Touma" Gunha jumped to his feet" Stay a little longer"

Touma sighed and smiled, accepting the offer.

"Well then, let's see what amazing stuff you have to show me..."

(END FLASHBACK)

Touma snapped back to reality, when Rikuri sighed just next to him.

"Of course many people came! It is your wedding! You are world's hero, it is a no brainer. You have so many connections that it would be strange if it had little attendance"

"That's true, but I think there is also other reason" Kaibi added" Helcalia... she worked hard to get where she is now. She is... she is a level 5 in everything except the title, just like Hoshimi-san. For someone like this... you show to not offend."

"I think it is a bit of an exaggeration" Touma interjected" Nowadays, Helcalia is powerful, but... she would never hurt anyone intentionally in a tantrum, that's not who she is. And there is much more to her than her ability"

"Oh, certainly, she is very loyal and sweet." Rikuri agreed" And our sister's best friend"

"No matter how many years passed, I still can't believe that two people so different became each other's confidants"

"Is Amazora with Helcalia now?" Touma asked

"Yes. I do hope Sotzy is keeping her in check, so the bride can actually be ready for you in time"

(MEANWHILE)

Indeed, Helcalia was already present near the sight of the launch, close to the rockets that were about to take her and her guests to space.

Currently, in the beautiful room within the facility built especially for her, she was being tended to by five people and observed by the sixth.

"Hold still..." Ureappady Exica muttered with hairpins in her mouth" We are almost done"

Light blue eyes of the young bride-to-be darted from left to right, as her long silver hair was being combed and styled to perfection.

"Thank you a lot... I hope I am not being a bother or anything" Helcalia said, as she fiddled with her fingers" It feels... strange, having such a fuss made about me"

"What are you talking about? Always so damn modest..." Scoffed Yakumaru Itsuki, finishing to paint the bride's nails, with a soft silver hue" You are not just a nobody. You are one of the most promising minds of your generation, friends with famous multi-subject researcher from United Kingdom, #2's protegee, astronaut and astrophysicist... not to mention your ability and the fact that you are marrying one of the most influential men in the world"

"That's not anything special. And Touma would not like to be spoken of like this"

"Denial will not do anything good at this point. And as for being his wife... even though there are so many for us, each comes with a different story... different time... with each able to see that little glimpse of their own timeline within him... the current him" Yakumaru let out a nostalgic sigh" What must it be like, to feel dozens lives in parallel within your mind... combined in one, unified experience?"

Helcalia was still lost in her own insecurities.

"I know that face..." Mitsumi, who was more prelevant personality of the Miracle Triad those days, smiled at her, while making finishing touches to the bride's lashes and eyebrows" What's on your mind?"

Helcalia rubbed her nose to quench the tickling sensation within it, caused by plucking of her eyebrows, and sighed.

"I just can't help but think... what happened years ago, in Canterbury... that accident... I really don't deserve-"

"Hey!" Amazora put hands on her hips, before giving a light chop on Helcalia's hand" Don't talk like that! We all agreed that what happened during those attacks... you weren't at fault. You didn't even know that your ability can be used like that! You didn't do it on purpose!"

"B-But-"

"Amazora is right!" Sozty nodded vigorously" No one is angry at you about this... sure, it was unfortunate, but no one is perfect. Seriously, if you didn't make some mistakes, I would be mighty jealous"

Helcalia giggled, reaching forward and hugging Amazora, and smiling at all her other friends.

"Thank you. Sometimes I think that I grew and matured past my fear of losing others, yet other times, I feel like I am still that girl he and Index found in the locker, crying her eyes out."

"But you did all you could to be strong! And now you are about to be married. You are not getting cold feet on us, are you?" Mitsumi joked, definitely taking Arisa's approach to the matter." Or your mother will steal him from you. Wasn't Touma's type an intelligent older woman? A widow at that..."

"Miss Mitsumi, do not tease her" Melzabeth Grocery reprimanded from the side, but the corners of her mouth suggested she was stopping herself not to let out a loud laugh.

Melzabeth, acclaimed genius, innovator, and researcher of worldly fame, emanated mature, almost flawless beauty, sporting just a little bit of wrinkles around her eyes, and still at least 20 years younger than she actually was.

"O-Of course not!" Helcalia protested in embarrassment" W-What are you saying Mutsumi onee-sama?"

"Any plans for marital bliss?"

"I will think about it after t-the wedding... a child would be nice..." Helcalia's cheeks darkened with blush" Amazora, I am actually more surprised that you are not a mother"

The blond waved her hand with a cheeky grin.

"Ehehe, come on, you know me. I am still young and I just need some more time to roam about and explore before I become a mommy. Both me and Touma agreed on that. But after I travel some more, and win more shooting competitions, it is quite probable. I am sure that Haru-san and Chi-chan would love a cousin... and a sibling, I guess"

"WOULD YOU ALL STOP JUMPING AROUND?!" hollered Ureappeady, before shaking her head" Good grief, just hold still for a few more minutes..."

And soon... it was ready.

Helcalia rose to her feet and slowly walked to the mirror. Her eyes widened, as she touched her cheek.

"Oh my... I... I look..."

"You look beautiful, sweetie" said a voice, slightly shaking with emotions.

Melzabeth's arrival in front of the mirror showed only how much resemblance the bride bore to her and vice versa.

She put a hand on her daughter's shoulder, before smiling and looking at the enormous spacecraft, waiting to take the attending into space.

"The day is arrived... I thought I would be ready, but to think that we would actually manage to do this... I am so proud to be a mother of such a daughter... your father would love to see it too"

(MEANWHILE)

As Touma's plane touched down, both Ryodou and Hyouka raised their heads, snapped out of their thoughts.

"From the sound of it, it seems that dad is here. And... he is not alone" the silver haired oracle reasoned.

"Yes, he is not" Ryodou looked at the last plane to touch down." Uncle Accelerator is actually here"

He noticed white hair of a serious, formally dressed, thin man with a shoulder length hair, white tie with black center, and black suit with a single red rose on place of heart. With matching clothing under the waist and elegant brown shoes, he walked on a stylized walking stick, resembling a bronze cane with a symbol of two intertwined arrows on it. The walking stick was actually only made to look old, instead being a cutting edge technology.

"Everyone, let's go!"

Kamijou Touma's children came from many different mothers, backgrounds, possessed different abilities and personalities. Diversity in equality was their motto. Each was an independent person, of very vibrant character, and such uniqueness was the source of their great pride.

Of course, some degree of loose hierarchy, through apparent age, applied. Younger sibling usually listened to the older sibling. For example, it could be the case that Parvati, being 16th child and 10th daughter, was considered more experienced and role model-ish by Tannia, who was 22nd child and 13th daughter. Or that Takami, 11th child and 5th son, regarded with greater care the words of Kaizumi, holding spot of 4th child and 2nd son. Generally, it worked like that, yet it wasn't iron-hard commandment.

But it was an unspoken rule that when Ryodou and Hyouka spoke, one with voice powerful and bellowing, the other with gentle and soft, yet both putting enough power to be heard and understood above their siblings, others followed their lead.

It wasn't only because out of dozens of Touma's children, those two were the firstborn son and daughter, respectively, and as so the oldest and most experienced out of everyone.

It was also because despite the love that all siblings felt in one form or the other towards one another, there were also quarrels, alliances, factions, based on interests and similarities. Yet Ryodou and Hyouka, thanks to being a pair of strength and wisdom, and being patient, mediating young adults, had almost unanimous respect and liking from their siblings.

"Let's go" Ryodou repeated.

And then, dozens of feet moved forward. Everyone in their own manner, some faster, some slower, some with energy and some in more reserved manner... and yet everyone walked side by side like a wave moving from place to place.

Due to its unique, almost unprecedented nature, children in Kamijou family were close to each other than any other members of their generation. Older siblings took looking after younger ones very seriously. Touma himself saw to the fact that his children were growing together and completed each other's talents and weaknesses.

This synergy displayed in times of needed was a testimony of that.

And now, they arrived to say hello to Accelerator, they were greeted by the sight of a young woman with chestnut hair, who tripped on the sand with a yelp. Something sore through the air.

"Ah!"

Hyouka's arm shot up, catching something in her hand before it hit her face.

This mystifying, completely unconscious ability to perceive motion, manouver in her surroundings, and react to objects, despite not being able to actually see, or even frame the concept of the image in her head for that matter, was one of the most baffling aspects of blindfolded girl's condition for new people meeting her.

"I am so sorry, says Misaka Misaka, bowing in apology. Hyouka-chan, is everything alright, asks Misaka as Misaka feels guilty of tripping?"

"It's alright, aunt Last Order" Hyouka smiled faintly" Just be careful"

"She is right, brat. Watch where you are going" Accelerator reprimanded the clone, glancing over the crowd in front of him" And speaking of brats... wow, there is a whole lot of you, as always."

"Hey uncle!" a choir of voices answered.

"It is so rare for you to go out like that. We haven't seen you in forever" Kenjou commented.

Accelerator shrugged.

"Tch, that's how it's meant to be. Don't tell me that you missed me"

"Misaka certainly did miss them, says Misaka as Misaka tackles her favourite nephew"

"Auntie, stop! I-I am not a child anymore!" Takami blurted out.

"Ehehe, you always liked Misaka's hugs, Misaka Misaka says smugly as you try to hide the truth"

"M-More importantly, what is that you let go of?"

"From what I've gathered, something for the newlyweds" Accelerator waved his hand" Honestly, I never really cared much for all the fuss"

"Daddy says it only because he never married himself, says Misaka putting salt on his wounds"

A voluptous woman with same chestnut hair as the younger-looking Last Order appeared from behind Accelerator. She wore ao-dai dress and appeared to be very pleased with herself, if malicious smile was something to go by.

Accelerator sighed

"No, I am just saying that if they love each other, there is no need to showcase it. If it's something known, what is the point? Also, Worst, you didn't plant any... surprises in the gift?"

"This Misaka?" Worst made an offended face" You don't think Misaka would tell you if she did?"

"They are not lethal, are they? Your pranks? The ones that appeared in every single wedding"

"Misaka is a professionalist. A prank is more funny if it lasts longer, and killing something usually signifies its end"

"And it won't end up in disturbance during the ceremony, causing the hero to bitch about to me outright?"

"Nah"

"Then go for it. Someone should liven this up"

Accelerator leaned on his cane-style crutch, and nodded at the Touma's plane.

"They are here. Go bother someone else"

"Uncle, do not disappear on us again. I know you would like to, and I get that you are not among many people, but save some time for us" Kaizumi bowed politely.

"Yeah, tell us more stories" Tannia agreed, nodding vigorously.

"Like how mom taught you and uncle Zura magic" Liz implored, with Mary being close behind.

"I already told you... couple damn times... and the stories from Syberia too..." Accelerator said, intercepting Tannia's unasked question

"Mmm!" the short-haired brunette pouted" You just said that you wrecked some trucks, you yelled at dad, he smacked you around by pulling your wings, and mom stood on the sidelines, looking like she pissed herself"

"Well, I didn't exactly lie" Accelerator smirked" Well, the detail that there were hundred of said wings could have been important..."

"You think?"

"And as for your mother, she could as well be arousing herself from the sight, or whatever, it is always hard to tell with her"

"Yup, I didn't need to imagine that" Lessar's daughter shivered.

"Oooh~" Worst teased" Daddy is as popular as ever"

"Keep joking and I will flick you away into the ocean"

"Wanting to kick Misaka on the butt in front of the children? How bold of you! Misaka would think that you at least wait for after the wedding..."

"Tch..."

"Is there..." Wataru, son of Konori Mii, leaned to whisper into Tsubasa's ear" is there something between those two that I am not catching?"

"No one knows. Most probably not, they apparently been like that for years, but... no one knows. Uncle has no drive for any kind of intimate relationship. Aunt Worst often jokes, but at times she was... quite jealous of other girls"

"Really? Oh, it would be nice to see that!"

Accelerator, in total unwillingness, became very popular with some of his old friend's children. They considered him interesting, intelligent, powerful, or just wanted to listen to stories. Those people included Kaizumi, (who knew Accelerator more than most of his siblings because of Seria's close work with the Chairman), Leo, Tannia, Liz, Mizumi, and from time to time, Hayate.

However, right now, there was no proper time for good storytelling.

The crowd parted and Touma appeared, followed by Kaibi, Rikuri, Mizumi, Sei, Haruto, Chinatsu, and Tenma, pushing Othinus on a wheelchair.

"Hey every- GAH?!"

Touma, almost had his life squeezed out of him as his children ran up and circled around him, talking one over the other.

"Everyone, there will be time to talk..." he chuckled, going with the flow" For now, we have to get ready for the launch. You should find your space suits"

"Already?"

"Yeah, we are on schedule here. Melzabeth-san was very precise about this and I don't want to let her down" Touma explained.

"You heard dad" Kaizumi and Ryodou started to gather the crowd and lead them away" There will still be time afterwards, no we must be ready for the takeoff"

Touma looked at Accelerator, Worst, and Last Order

"Hey there, is Yomikawa-sensei here?"

"She and Esther are helping with the preparations" Accelerator smirked at Touma" After all those fucking years you still call her sensei, that's a riot"

"Says the one who once called her mom by mistake"

"Oi, you a threading on thin ice, wedding day or not"

"Last Order, you are growing more radiant each time I see you."

"Hmm, does Saviour really think so?" the smaller woman twirled around in her colourful dress" It would be nice if he did, says Misaka Misaka with hope in her voice. Albeit the body is not growing anymore, Misaka Misaka expresses her doubts on the matter"

"I didn't mean actual growth, more like... feeling around you. You look very cute"

Last Order grinned, and few loose sparks shot from her ahoge

"Ehehehe, Saviour always says nicest things, says Misaka Misaka as she tries not to melt into puddle of goo from the compliment of one of her three favourite people in the world"

She curtseyed lightly and then looked around

"Excuse me but I will now look around for Fremea and Kretuene-chan, apologizes Misaka Misaka, beginning the search for her friends"

"Alright, just remember to get ready for the event in time" Touma shouted to her, before looking at Misaka Worst" H-Hey Worst-san, what's u-"

"Kyah..."

Worst covered her mouth, yet the sound that left her mouth was undeniable. It was perhaps the most sinister, and strangely vocalized utterance of this sound, but it was a cute 'kyah' nonetheless.

"Emmm..."

It was a strange sight to behold to be sure. Worst's legs trembled while her face scrunched in anger. She fidgeted nervously, while muttered.

"Damn... s-stop feeling like..."

"Worst-sa..."

"Nggggggh..."

The Third Series ran away with red face, leaving Touma with outstretched hand.

He looked at Accelerator

"Really, why do I have such effect on her every single time?"

"Network interfers with her own sense of self. You give her existential crisis every single time"

"I-I am not even doing anything, it makes me feel bad. Also, talk about mixed signals. Does she hate me or is interested in me?"

"Both... or maybe neither, I don't care in the slightest"

"I always thought she was interested in you" Touma remarked.

"I always thought that it was you" number 1 esper shot back smoothly.

"Hmm... that's... interesting"

"Stupid... horny... hate... I want to... kic...ck... kiss... loathe...the... love... fuck!"

Two man sighed. There was a loud sound as Misaka Worst started to bash her head on the nearby palm tree.

"Should I... help her?"

"You are the source of the problem, idiot. If we are lucky, coconut will fall on this moron's head and change her personality. Just run along, we will be there soon"

Meanwhile, Hyouka walked over to Tenma and Othinus.

"Aunt Othinus?"

"Yes, it is me"

"As well as Tenma-kun..."

She brushed her hand over Tenma's hand and face, which was her equivalent to looking someone in the eyes.

"It's good to feel you" she whispered, leaning over him.

If anyone else said that, he would freak out, but Hyouka, due to her condition, sometimes used specific phrasing and he got used to it

"Are you faring good?" she asked.

"Y-Yeah, thank you, onee-chan" Tenma mumbled, slightly embarrassed over his older sister's proximity. Hyouka had no concept of personal space when she greeted someone and her chest was almost in his face.

"And you, aunt Othinus?"

"Except for the fact that I am on this wheelchair, I guess I can't complain. It's a good thing for the baby, so be it"

"May I?" Hyouka extended her hand.

"Yes"

Daughter of Index touched Othinus' belly and remained motionless for a few more moments.

Finally, she spoke.

"The girl is strong... I am sure she will endure the rest of this arduous pregnancy and be born into this world, giving you happiness"

"Really? That's good" Othinus could not hide tremendous relief in her voice, hearing which caused Tenma to smile." You can tell it's a girl by touch and vibrations alone? Your sense of touch is no joke"

"I guess one could say that..."

The blindfolded woman 'looked' straight at him.

"Tenma-kun... can I have a moment?"

"Yeah, I will just wheel mom to a checkpoint."

So he did. And after Othinus was crossing the preparation point with other guests, Tenma looked at Hyouka.

"Is something wrong?"

"No, nothing at all. I just wanted to implore and urge you to do something"

"Of course, onee-chan, what do you need to tell me?"

"When Ástir will be born, protect her and be there for her, no matter what"

"Of course... oh, just one question..."

"Yes?"

"Who is Ástir?"

Hyouka tilted her head, before laughing softly

"My apologies. Sometimes studying so many texts from my library makes my time out of order. Ástir is the name chosen by aunt Othinus for her daughter"

"My... our little sister? The one who won't be born in another 14 months or so?"

"Indeed. I know you will protect her regardless of me asking for it, but I want to do so... because she might be one of the Catalysts. Surely you remember the Prophecy... she is one of the candidates for setting it in motion"

"The Prophecy..."

Of course he remembered. How could he not? He learned of it was when he first met Hyouka.

The Prophecy was the prediction concerning children of Kamijou family and future of the world, which could be plunged into terrible catastrophe or elevated to even greater heights. Tenma still didn't know all that much about it, yet he knew that the existence of the Prophecy was partially a cause for Kamijou Hyouka's current condition.

Aside from a sizeable number of people, metaphorically implied in the text of the prophecy, referred to as Chosen, there were also Catalysts, people who would not play a part in the events of prophecy itself, but who would have a crucial role in setting it in motion.

In contrast to the Chosen, whose identities and actions in themselves were described in obscure rhymes, the identities of the Catalysts were shrouded in even greater vagueness. Yet Hyouka managed to pinpoint a group of people to narrow it down.

"Yes, she is a candidate. Alongside one of the children of aunt Junko... perhaps aunt Maria... and some more"

"Wait, aunt Maria..."

"Will have a child in a year, or two, in most futures I can perceive." Hyouka pursed her lips" Tenma-kun, I sense that whether or not Ástir-chan will be a Catalyst, you two will share a special kind of bond. One of great importance. You two will need each other more than anyone in the world."

"Can you... maybe elaborate on that slightly ominous statement?"

"Apologies, but it's as far as I read. I couldn't reach proper book... all the fates are rather inconclusive and muddy..."

"I don't know... how much I will be able to really do. I mean, I am not even a Kamijou by blood..."

"This is precisely why you are crucial" Hyouka's voice was serious yet reassuring at the same time" Someone beyond the prophecy can guide others on the rails of proper fate. When someone is within the chain of events, it is that much harder for everyone within to change the events, because there is no way to view them from beyond what's foretold"

"For everyone...in the prophecy? Even for you?"

"Especially for me, dear brother. "Hyouka nodded, before citing the second stanza of the prophecy:

The one who sees devoid of light

To world will bring the end of plight

Two sides of one she will rejoin

By death or life, fate tosses coin

"It is clear that I am one of the Chosen, and mentioned in this fragment. Yet I can't do it alone. I believe we were brought together to cover each other's weaknesses. Each and every one possesses those, you know..."

Tenma nodded. He knew Hyouka was extremely well versed in divination and had access to almost limitless knowledge, but daylight caused extreme pain to her unseeing eyes and certain frequencies of sound affected her more than regular human due to her incredibly sensitive hearing.

"So please..."

"W-Well... thank you for the heads up then..."

"That's why I am your older sister, Tenma-kun"

"Yes, I will help you. I don't know how, but when the time comes, I will do my best"

"I am delighted to hear that."

(QUITE A FEW HOURS LATER)

Space travel to the Earth's orbit was an incredible experience, regardless of the era.

There was just something absolutely mystifying about rising far above the atmosphere, seeing small orb of blue and green, with patches of white, in enormous void, with only tiny speckles of light in the immeasurable blackness. like jewels on the darkest of fabrics.

As the rockets soared through the sky, and after the crushing pressure lessened, everyone went to watch the Earth with darkness overcasting the part they just lifted off from.

The difference, however was the fact that in recent decades, going into space become much more accessible. So much so that as far as more scientifically inclined citizens of the world, that is, espers of Academy City, already went to space, and onto the orbit, a few times. This included majority of Kamijou Touma's children. Helcalia wasted no time, spreading her love for space. Apparently, she did so in every possible timeline.

Even some of the magicians ventured to space, though they never did so with as much comfort.

Point was, the space journey in itself was something normal due to advance of technology. Spacesuits themselves were using nano-machines, which created a stable bubble of air and covered the body with thin yet flexible layer, allowing the guests to wear the wedding outfits over it.

After the journey upwards, everyone went to the windows to commit to the planned viewing of Earth, before the rockets docked to the enormous structure on the orbit.

Space Engage Station was the ultimate, crowning achievement of Melzabeth Grocery, who dreamed of her daughter marrying in space. It was a spacious structure, which contained various corridors, machinery rooms, lavatories, many corridors, conference rooms, library, ballroom, artificial garden, dining hall, and more.

Most importantly though, the main part of the spacestation was an enormous chapel. It wasn't a proper chapel, in a sense of being used by a particular religion, but it was obvious what the function would be one day.

With many rows of chairs, long white carpet, and huge windows directed at the Earth, it was a place for vows to be made.

Of course, those weren't the only noticeable differences of this wedding. Namely, due to lack of gravity, everything would float on their own. Naturally, the station had means of creating artificial gravity, but it was agreed upon that those would be used before ceremony and not during it, to elevate the experience mother and daughter duet, as well as bride's deceased father, longed for.

It took a bit of time, with people exploring the station, but as the sound a loud gong resided, they knew it was time.

Well, most of them knew... but let's not get ahead of ourselves...

The artficial gravity was turned off. Everyone who wanted to remain seated, or needed to be such, like Othinus, remained strapped to the seats while everyone else left the ground ever so slightly.

The spacious room were filled to the brink with the people of many paths of life, from both science and magic side. For now, the room was abuzz with talking and chatter.

Touma took place on the podium, with Index walking to the highest point, with light of the moon, visible in the vastness of space on the left, illuminated the room.

Above, the space and stars. On the left, streams of moonlight. And on the right, the lush and beautiful Earth.

It all reflected in Kamijou Touma's eyes. He gazed through the crowd of the gathered.

Once again, something cold chilled his body, as he frowned. Something bothered him... someone was clearly amiss...

But even thinking as hard as he did, he didn't arrive at any clear conclusion.

With difficulty, he pushed the confusion away.

He then looked down at people gathered. At Tsuchimikado, Aogami, Hamazura, and Gunha, standing by his side.

"Isn't the roster of best men a bit too vast?"

"Who cares, Kami-yan? The more the merrier... if Aogami won't murder you first"

"Feeling nervous, boss?" Hamazura put a hand around Touma

"I figured that someone like you would have it all figured out by now!" Gunha added cheerfully

Touma shook his head, slightly embarrassed.

"Stop it, guys... it's not like that! Even if I did many times in many different versions of my own life... not a single one was similar to the other. I suppose this is the beauty and bizarre charm of this family... this uniqueness and originality, that is best showed in my own children... where is Accelerator?"

Hamazura pointed at first row, at the familiar albino.

"That old tsundere? He should get his skinny butt right here, but he didn't want to come"

Accelerator locked eyes with Touma and smirked, showing a dismissive gesture.

Touma chuckled.

"That's about right... I am glad you are here too, old friend"

Some more time passed. After people gathered and everyone got to their places... the ceremony began.

Contrary to many weddings, the proper act was preceeded by the couple of speeches.

First, Melzabeth Grocery, hugging Touma himself and thanking everyone gathered, spoke about history behind Space Engage, the desire of Grocery family to connect through space, and embody their love of heavens in the act of matrimony of their only daughter.

Then, the roster of Helcalia's maids of honour, including her friends, Gokusai Amazora, Sotzy Exica, and Patricia Birdway, also spoke about the event, and road it took for Helcalia and Touma to arrive at this point.

And finally, finally... the door opened. The organ music played, as Helcalia stepped through with Kakine Teitoku.

It could be argued that it was a strange choice. Usually, it was a bride's father who led her to the altar. It was certainly peculiar for his replacement, due to Mister Grocery dying in the space accident, to be a man only 5 years older than the bride.

Kakine himself was highly sceptical.

"I seriously don't do stuff like that" he argued."Even now, with my new personality. It's not about being too good for it, it's just-"

But Helcalia insisted. It was one of the strangest relationships Kakine Teitoku ever had. Due to certain similarities in the psychological aspects of their esper abilities, he relented, taking this girl out of nowhere to learn certain things from him. If she was stupid, he would tell her to go to hell. If she was decent, he could always direct her to someone else. And if she was brilliant... then he would truly do his utmost.

In the end, the girl in question, not only through talent but also relentless, almost obsessive work, turned out to be brilliant prodigy and scientist.

So the pleas of Fremea and Last Order wasn't needed all that much. Kakine knew he had to do this favour. For better or for worse, he was her mentor. And if she was choosing him to walk with her, so be it.

"Shall we go?"

And slowly, gracefully, quite literally soaring through the air, the young bride and her company made their way alongside the wedding march, till the end of white carpet.

Helcalia looked into the green eyes of Index. She noticed Archbishop

'It's happening, Index. I am claiming this surname without any shame on my part.'

(FLASHBACK, YEARS PRIOR)

"What? You want to change your surname?" asked surprised Index.

She, Amazora, and Helcalia were at the park in Academy City, feeding the ducks, as Helcalia revealed her decision.

"It's a matter of my devotion" Helcalia nodded, affirming her decision" I want to become an esper strong enough to protect someone, in the same way you and Touma protected me and my mother that day. This is why I want to do it"

"Speaking of your mom, is she allowing that?"

"She was a bit shocked, but she understood after we talked about it. After all, I am not losing my connection to her or my dad. I am linked with them through blood, the way I look, and through the dream of space exploration... and my big cosmic wedding. B-Besides... this changed surname will... only apply till the time when I... m-m-marry..."

"Huuh..." Amazora threw a skipping stone. Thanks to her excellent eye, it slipped straight under the narrow pier on the lake, and landed almost at the another shore." So what are you changing it too?"

"W-Well... just please don't laugh..." Helcalia muttered, before drawing something on the sand.

It was a few signs of katakana:

グローサリー

"I want to have a connection with that day. The day I met you."

"You already have a connection" Amazora joked" Onii-chan is a vehement enjoyer and hunter for good groceries."

This caused Helcalia to sit, mumbling incoherrently, her face steaming red behind her hands.

When she calmed down, she shook her head.

"I appreciate the hilarity of the situation, but I want something more serious. My surname, after some japanization, spells Gu-ro-sa-ri. Alternatively to Grocery, it can be pronounced as Glossary. Yes, I think... Glossary will do nicely. This is my vow of a surname I want to take"

"Pffft!" the blond gattling gun user pursed her lips, putting hand over them.

"I said no laughing, you betrayer!"

"As one with a bibliological name, I can't really judge this choice, but I am still curious" Index tapped her fingers on the side of the bench" Why such a surname?"

"Because of you"

"What? Me?"

"Yes. You mentioned that you have a similar name. You were also the one that helped defend me when everyone was convinced that my mother had evil intentions... you protected me from torture's of that priest... mister Magnus..."

Helcalia shivered. Even though she didn't outright fear Stiyl, as was the case in the past, she was far from comfortable in his presence. She doubted it was ever going to change.

"You stuck by my side. I do not care if it only because Touma wanted you too, you were... really cool in my eyes. We are not that far apart in years, but you appeared so wise... I wanted to be someone like you in moment of crisis. And also... stand by his side like you"

"I am flattered" Index said, and true to that, there was a light blush on her cheeks" Honestly, I didn't think I made an impression on you. Truth be told, at first I really didn't like how you hung on him. We... are similar, in a way. The hair for one thing... do you think those surnames are not coincidence"

"I think it's neat" Amazora provided a summary of her thoughts" It's like those nicknames that Othinus was talking about. The ones magician guys invent? I thought it is cool"

"You are talking about magic names. So... this change of surname is like a vow to you?"

"Yes. I will become like you, but at the same time, I will bring new quality into his life"

"Index - a reference guide throughout various external sources. Glossary - a compliation of terms within a book with their definition"

"It's complementary. Index is necessary to expand your knowledge to new things, Glossary to comprehend a meaning within one book. Two faces of the same coin of knowledge. Two views of the same system. Like magic... and science"

Index smiled, hugging Helcalia.

"Well then, I happy to meet you again, miss Glossary"

In the same time, her stomach growled.

"Owww..." the nun groaned, putting a hand to her belly" It's time for a after-brunch-yet-before-lunch snack"

Helcalia giggled, as Amazora hit the inside of her hand with a fist.

"Let's go eat! We are growing ladies, we crave sustainance. In a form of delicious oysters!"

"I would actually go for some stew, if you wouldn't mind... although I am sure Index would eat everything, even the shell of those oysters"

"Oi! I am a girl, not some shark. Even though I wanted to bite your head off when you kept clinging to Touma"

"Ahahaha...wait, that's not even funny at all!"

(BACK TO THE WEDDING)

'I am doing it, Index. This book began with Index, and will end with Glossary. There is a vast, untold story in between. Keeping it alive through dozens of our children is for Touma to do'

They arrived near the pedestal.

Kakine inclined his head ever so slightly and took his place together with other guests, as gracefully ascending Helcalia found herself in front of Touma.

Now that she was in front of the wide windows, the moonlight was illuminating her silhouette, for the first time showcasing the charm of her looks and attire.

Touma's eyes widened, as did multiple pairs across the enormous room.

The bride floated above the ground, her long hair moving like gentle, peaceful waves of silver.

In years that passed, Helcalia Glossary turned into beautiful and charming woman. The wedding dress showcased ever so slightly slender, brown-hued legs, the feet sporting pretty yet minimalistic white heels. The dress was long, white and silver, with the trims being encircled by pearls. The opening left her uppermost chest, neck, and upped back exposed. She wore a veil with a constellations etched into it using darker indigo crystals. Her hair was combed to ultimate softness, no strand being out of place. Her lips were rosy with just a tinge of silver lipstick, nose pert, cheeks lightly flushed. Blue eyes were shining like two sapphires, matching the actual gemstones of the same type in the tiara on her head, were three of them shone brightly across the darkness of the universe around them. They were encircled by the bending, glowing thread of Dark Matter - a present from Kakine Teitoku to beautify the bride even more. Finally, on her chest was a necklace with a symbol of a crescent moon, and blue chrysanthemums flower over her heart.

She looked like silver-clad goddess of the moon, shining in the night.

Aside from Kongou Mitsuko, Vasilisa the Beautiful, Witch Goddess Aradia helped with a nocturnal esthetic. The effect was outstanding and otherworldly, to put it lightly.

"Dearly beloved..." Index spread her arms" We shall commence..."

As Index began the speech, and official ceremonial part of the wedding, Touma, in his black and white tuxedo and uncharacteristically tame hair, found himself looking at Helcalia.

In that moment, with the two floating high above the Earth and about to unite in family, more than ever, he realized how much the girl has matured. And it wasn't only about how she looked.

He knew that he wasn't really the same girl he met in Los Angeles. But now, the realization was even clearer.

'Helcalia... thank you for your effort. I am really grateful...'

Before he knew it, Index was looking straight at them.

Even though they weren't being wed in traditional catholic rite, nor in shinto one, they chose to retain catholic vows.

"Do you, Kamijou Touma, take Helcalia Glossary to be your lawfully wedded wife? Do you promise to be true to her in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health? Do you promise to love her and honour her all the days of your lives?"

Touma nodded.

"Yes, I do"

Index turned to Helcalia.

"Do you, Helcalia Glossary, take Kamijou Touma, to be your lawfully wedded husband? Do you promise to have him and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, from now until death?

"Yes, I do"

And there it was, the final set of vows, devised by lawyer and old friend of their family, Jufuuku Miho. Made especially for their family, sworn not only by Touma himself, but most importantly, by each of dozens of his wives, multitude of women, who got together to avert global war and decided to spread prosperity by allowing shared growth of their children.

"Do you, Kamijou Touma, promise to give Helcalia Glossary a respect, love, adoration, and attention towards her as not only one of your wives, but as an individual, a woman unique in the face of all existence and God, with her own needs, dreams, strengths, and weaknesses? To give her equally, amongst her fellow wives, to share your love justly, never viewing her like merely an addition to your family or a trophy in conquest of love, but someone of her own merit, worthy of love and care unique to her person? To all of that, do you swear?"

Touma bent in the bow, putting a hand to his chest.

"I swear to do my utmost, now and in eternity. Throughout all times of my life, now and always"

Index addressed final part of the vows to Helcalia.

"Do you, Helcalia Glossary, promise to respect not only your husband, but also other women in this family, to try your hardest to resolve conflicts between your fellow wives without violence, to treat them as someone of their own life, while being guaranteed the same treatment in return? Do you promise to uphold the values of peace, equality, and tolerance Kamijou family is based upon? Do you promise to care for others, to protect the children of Kamijou family and cherish their existence, regardless of their heritage or mother they hail from, to guide them with their best interest in heart, with promise of fruits of your own womb being guided and cared for in the same manner? To all of that, do you swear?"

Helcalia took two sides of her gown, and courtseyed in mid-air.

"I swear to dedicate my heart, body, and soul to upholding those promises. Now and forever, it's my pledge"

Touma looked over the crowd in a discreet fashion, noticing two people in the reflection on the wall, invisible to all but him.

Tall, muscular man with weapon of chains was crying his eyes out, with a face of fatherly pride.

The redheaded woman next to him sighed soundlessly and her exasperated face spoke something along the lines of 'why does he always cry on weddings?'

Then, they looked Eike put a hand on his heart, while Ataxia inclined her head with a small smile.

Accepting their blessing within a second and thanking them with his eyes, Touma returned to the woman in front of him.

Index smiled warmly.

"Then..."

The sun was starting to illuminate the edge of the Earth.

Its light washed over Touma, splitting the pedestal into gold and silver, with husband and bride bathed under sunlight and moonlight, respectively, with Earth between them.

"... I pronounce you husband and wife." Index finished.

Touma lifted Helcalia's veil, the two closing in on each other.

"You may now kiss the bride"

Touma kissed Helcalia Kamijou on the daybreak of December 28th, as the room erupted in the cheers and clapping of hands. After the kiss ended, Touma smiled warmly at the blushing woman.

"Happy birthday, Helcalia"

Melzabeth was trying in vain to stop her tears with a handkerchief, but they drifted, small fluid marbles within the air of the room.

The festive atmosphere lasted for a minute or two more, before loud crash was heard outside.

Everyone got quiet, looking in the direction at the door.

Moments later, said doors burst open, showing a group of very frazzled teens.

"Everyone! We need to evacuate!" shouted Takami.

"Huh?" Helcalia blinked rapidly" What?"

Touma frowned

"What happened?"

Kenjou made her best pokerface, which wasn't convincing in the slightest

"We might have just..."

"... cause a slight... m-maybe not so slight..." Sena muttered, turning away.

"... malfunction of the station..." Kaizumi said with hand over his face.

"... It's not like we wanted to..." Shishi mumbled, pressing her fingers together

"... but it appears we might have a bit of..." Shimitsu looked behind herself

"...problem~" Kiseki winced at this word.

And in the same time, the corridors were illuminated red, and alarm sirens started blaring ias if there was no tomorrow.

(SOME TIME EARLIER, BEFORE THE PROPER CEREMONY)

To understand what happened

As everyone took their place, Kenjou, who took a place by Kanzaki's side, spotted Takami, motioning to her.

"What?" she mouthed to him soundlessly.

"We have a problem" he answered in the same manner.

"Why are you moving so much?" asked Aoife.

"Valp said there is trouble."

"What kind of trouble?" Shishi bent away to made her face and soundless communication visible to others.

"He said he lost Diana"

"Oh crap" Etain dramatically gasped under her breath" It is bad"

"Kenjou, is everything okay?" Kanzaki looked at her daughter with worry" Are you feeling well?"

"Y-Yeah mom, just... I really need to go to the toilet"

"Now? Just before it starts?"

"Yeah. Cause you know, if I pee in my pants, it will just start floating everywhere-"

"Alright, alright, I got the point. Just be sure to make it quick"

Kenjou quickly made her way through a stream of people coming inside, reuniting with quite a few of her siblings on the way. Like a chain reaction, message spread between them, and soon, sizeable group managed to sneak outside.

"Is it our problem?" Chousuke pondered out loud.

"It might as well be! We shouldn't leave her with Valp's care only"

By this point it would probably be helpful to explain why the siblings were alarmed.

Meridiana Aradia Lilith Kamijou, known simply as Diana Kamijou, 22nd daughter of Kamijou family, was a beloved only child of the resident demonic Transcendent, Bologna Succubus, as well as Kamijou Touma, making her half-sister to the gathered. She had the charm of the cutest and charming, being a bright, optimistic, and endearing girl, with family nicknaming her Bumblebee. Problem was that, according to Touma, she definitely inherited her need for attention after her mom. This caused her to be bored off easily, and combined with the fact that she had a true knack for trouble (which said a lot in Kamijou family), letting her wander off on an important day was not a good idea.

"Where is aunt Bologna though? I know she asked us to take care of Diana, but..."

"She is setting up the reception, I think."

"But she is here, right?"

"No, don't go to her! This is my fault. She left Diana with me because I know her the best" Valpurgis, silver haired son of Aradia, panted breathlessly, as he managed to catch up to the others" She trusts me with her, I do not want to lose that. I love Diana and I wouldn't want-"

"Everyone!" a teen with dark blond hair, so dark that almost black, and deep grey eyes stepped forward" Maybe focus on what is important here"

"Kamito..." Kanari asked in confusion" And Fren too... what are you two doing here?"

Twin children of Hamazura Shiage and Takitsubo Rikou, Kamito and Frenda, called Fren to differentiate her from her dead namesake, was in the group that came outside the room. They were raised close to Kamijou siblings but often lived apart together with their parents.

"Well, I just thought that something must be going on if so many people moved outside." Kamito explained"

His sister nodded in agreement. Inheriting looks from her mother, she was a calm girl with straight, shoulder length black hair, and serene face. Although Fren was labelled a dreamer and spoke in a soft, almost whispery voice, she also liked to follow the others on adventure and shared a down to earth attitude of her father in times of crisis.

Bounce, bounce, bounce...

"Oi! Squirts!" said a woman with a darkly coloured, high ponytail and long dress, stylized as a labcoat. "Get inside, it's about to get good"

Bounce, bounce, bounce...

Chousuke facepalmed

"Mom, for the love of gods, why this dress?"

"Whatever do you mean?" Youen made the most innocent eyes she could. Even in full adulthood, she remained very short, and the dress she chose, caused her enormous chest to bounce with every step" If you keep this up, others may start calling you a pervert~"

"You are my mother, you should dress like one! YOU KNOW DAMN WELL THAT WITH THAT GET UP THERE IS NOWEHERE ELSE TO LOOK!" Chousuke screamed, as snickering Youen disappeared from their view.

He turned around to find Kanari's icy glare

"Perv" she muttered, raising an eyebrow

"SERIOUSLY?"

"You... have it rough" Haruto admitted, chuckling nervously" Aunt Youen is a piece of work... not like aunt Kaai but still..."

"I get that she is just messing with me and is supportive in her own way, but when I was nervous on a date, I randomly started spitting out trivia about bugs..." Chousuke shivered slightly" Okay, let's focus."

"We need to find Diana!" called on Kira" Let's set out, now!"

She turned around, before Aoife caught her dress.

"Hey!

"Hold on, princess" Aoife received a burning glare directed at her, but paid it no heed" We can't just charge forward like that."

"Maybe we should-"

Tsubasa, who also turned around and made a step, didn't manage to finish his thought, because he collided with something big and soft, which caused his face to bounce back.

Misaki put hands on her hips, looking at the group outside.

"What are you doing here?"

"Mom!" Kiseki said brightly" We wanted to make a surprise-"

BEEP!

"Don't bother, I already know" Mental Out waved her hand" Diana's lost, huh?"

Her daughter's face fell.

"Oh... right..."

"Oh, my little miracle, hiding anything from me is pointless. Don't take it personally, I just know how to read both faces and minds really well" Misaki winked at Kiseki, ruffling her hair" I know you are maxing up your charm ability, and you are doing wonderful job. I taught you, so I would know. But I already noticed many of you were leaving. I decided to cover for you, so you can explain... or let me see... what in the world is going on"

" To be honest, it was a bit strange that no one noticed how so many of us were gone" Haruto muttered" Auntie, can you cover for us, make it seem we are there?"

"W-Well, I can, but..." Misaki looked at Valpurgis" Why did she wander off?"

"She just wanted to see the space through the window one more time... I wanted to go inside already... but you know how cute she can be when she is asking for something..."

There was a true storm of sighs and affirmations

"Yes, she is..."

"Super cute..."

"Cute to die for..."

"Point is, I looked away for just a few seconds, and then she was gone!"

Misaki sighed, hearing desperation in Valp's voice.

"Alright then. But make it with swiftness ability"

"Of course! That's what we want to do. Why wouldn't want to ruin it for dad."

As Misaki walked inside the room, Aoife sighed in relief

"Wow, she will help us. Still think that having Etain doing a distraction dance would be better"

"No, it would ruin the wedding. And Eta nee-san would strangle you in your sleep out of rage"

everyone gathered together.

"Do we have any leads? Did someone actually see Diana?" asked Miya.

One hand raised into the air. Everyone turned to a boy with black hair, pale skin, and jade green eyes.

"Shen?" Sena asked in surprise" You didn't say anything before"

"No one asked, sister" the boy replied smoothly with a small grin." Why would I answer a question that wasn't asked yet? They went in that corridor behind me, but from this point... no idea"

Shen-Lung, because that was the name of the boy, had a bit of a reputation, just like Diana. While Bologna's daughter was a charming girl with a bit of clumsiness to herself, Shen was often a deliberate prankster. Well, he could only partially be blamed for that, given the rather stress-free and carefree parenting of his mother, Magic Goddess Niang-Niang. He enjoyed messing with people, which was probably why he enjoyed the company of his older brother Haruto, who was a born manipulator. Many of his siblings suffered from his pranks. It would make him lots of enemies if not for the fact that he was also loyal to the fault and skilled in solving people's problems should they arise. So he wasn't malicious, merely unpredictable.

"Alright then" Kamito pointed at the gathered, one by one, and then at the bridge through the sections of the station" We should split up. How about... Haruto, Aoife and Miya go here Shimitsu...

Hamazura's son wavered just for a split second, looking at the brown haired girl, before carrying on.

"Shi...Shimitsu, Tsubasa and Kiseki into the second, Kira, Kanari and Valp into third passageway, while me, my sister, and Takami go here. The rest will stay by the door, just in case"

"Fine, by me" Sena said, her egyptian dress shifting in mid-air. Chousuke jumped and floated next to door, nodding his head. Shishi sighed, and conceded as well. Shen-Lung floated close to her with enigmatic smile on his face.

There was no sense for everyone to go to proper search, all the pathways were already sufficiently covered.

"Well then... let's deal with this quickly. Good luck"

"Stop dramatizing. It's not the end of the world, Valp"

"She was with Setsu, by the way" Shen added suddenly.

Everyone froze mid-flight to their respective paths.

"WHAT?!"

(MEANWHILE)

Saten Ruiko was a journalist, as well as Academy City guide, and avid writer about all kinds of urban legends. In fact, she loved them so much that in her timeline, with her version of Kamijou Touma and their happy life together, she decided to name her daughter Densetsu. That is, a legend.

Kamijou Densetsu, known simply as Setsu, was a rather regular girl by all means. Well, she was very intelligent, getting excellent grades, excelling in sports, being at top of her school,. She was also rather pretty. Not in the sexy bombshell kind of way (she was far too young for such characterization), but a natural, honest beauty.

One would think that Setsu would be bitter. For some of Kamijou Touma's children, it was difficult to stand out, especially when few of your siblings could control dreams, turn matter into energy, manipulate people's perception of risk, intoxicate them through their senses, or start a plague.

But no, daughter of Saten Ruiko was an undeterred optimist. She also had an unsatisfied curiosity about practically everything.

In retrospect though, joining and following Diana wasn't a smart move. They were a particularly bad matchup for getting lost together, even if they were very fond of each other and treasured one another deeply.

In truth, Diana only wanted to go find a toilet. It was Setsu who insisted to explore a bit more. And now, it backfired, quite terribly.

"Where are we?" Setsu asked her companion.

The blond girl pursed her lips and twirled around

"Don't know... you didn't pay attention to the twists and turns, did you?"

"Don't worry, I am sure we will find the way back... I think we are near the room with some machinery... "

(MEANWHILE)

As Fren walked forward, humming gently and looking around for signs of two missing girls, Takami whispered to Kamito.

"Why didn't you go with Mitsu? I know that you have this huge crush on her"

"It's... that obvious?"

"Yeah... everyone knows"

"Even her?"

"That I can't tell. Maybe she does, can't be sure"

"Well, if I did go with her, I would do something utterly stupid and embarrass myself, I am sure of it. She often complains about it"

"But..." the chestnut haired magic student shook his head in exasperation" It's because she wants you to be proactive. She is a proud girl, you know. Also, while she has aunt Shizuri's pride and amazing esper power, she has dad's romantic denseness, so I wouldn't be surprised that much if you had to make a little extra effort"

"I will do it! It's worth it, always. So please. Give me some clues! Anything Shimitsu-related. Just a headstart, I will make the rest myself"

"No!"

"Why not?"

"Dude, I am not giving you tips on how to hit on my sister! It makes me imagine weird things!"

"You have over 25 sisters, I just happened to fell in love with one of them!"

"Still, it's just-"

Takami stopped when he ran straight into Fren's chest.

"Oh?"

Her surprise lasted only a moment, before she closed an embrace with one hand and brushed her fingers on top of Takami's head.

"Surprise. Did you want to hug me this badly? Yoshi, yoshi..."

"Aaah?! Why did you stop like that and turn around"

"I... got lost in thought"

"I-It's not like I actually wanted to snuggle with you in the dark" Takami blurted out, but younger Hamazura twin did not let him go, humming gently, as she stroke him

"Got you"

Meanwhile, Kamito pulled on Takami's arm.

"You damn hypocrite! You say all that while dating my own sister!"

"A-Alright, point taken, point taken. Fren, let me go, before he rips my arm off!

Then, the light went out.

"Now what?"

(MEANWHILE)

"Emm... I tripped, Setsu-chan"

"Yeah... and this thing you bumped into is sparking"

"I-It's probably nothing important... r-right?"

BOOM!

(ELSEWHERE)

"Kyah!" Miya let out a girly squeal, as the lights flickered in and out.

"Miya, don't tell me you are still afraid of the dark" Aoife commented flatly. "And let go of me, this is embarrassing"

The young model let go and straightened her clothes.

"Nee-san, you are scared of heights, and I just don't like floating in zero gravity empty corridor. M-Maybe we should go back and find the others"

"Come on, we are close, I just know it." Haruto gently passed his hand in front of Miya's face, as if swiping through a screen, before snapping his fingers" There is nothing to fear"

The girl's refined features relaxed and she smiled.

"You are right. They must be close by. Let's go"

As she went ahead, Aoife looked at Haruto

"This esper ability of yours is, as always, as morally ambiguous as it is useful"

"I always try my best in the presence of beautiful ladies, sister" Haruto made a mock bow in mid-air.

She elbowed him with a snort.

"Shut up, you dork, that's even more embarrassing"

"Why? I meant Miya, of course" he grinned back jokingly." Who else could it- UGH?!"

This time, the elbowing was actually painful.

(MEANWHILE)

"It shouldn't be sparking like that" Setsu scratched her head, as she and Diana looked at the sparking wires" How did you even pull it out?"

The charming blond fidgeted nervously. If she was given pair of wings, tail, and horns, it would be very similar to how her mother behaved in a state of agitation.

"I-I don't know! I really... it just happened... l-look I can fix this! I hope... let's try the switches on the wall... wait, do the screws come loose? I can't be that unlucky!"

"You are no reason to be... you are not liked dad"

"I know, but it doesn't make it any easier!"

(MEANWHILE)

The room Shimitsu, Tsubasa and Kiseki checked turned out to be another empty one.

"Come on, where are they?" Shimitsu sighed, as they continued their march.

Kiseki walked beside her, her black, slightly parted her swaying with her steps.

"You know... do you ever wonder about the prophecy?" Misaki's daughter finally asked, to which Shimitsu sighed

"Sometimes. But unlike some ladies with heads in the clouds, I prefer to live in the present. You heard Hyouka onee-san. Prophecies are vague as hell and we don't know how exactly it will go through or what will it mean for us"

"Come on, don't say that" Tsubasa replied, scanning the corridor with his gaze" We are, quite possibly, mentioned in one stanza. First two verses might be about me, last two about you:

In rain of stars the heavens cry

To aid will come the child of sky

In blaze, and burn, fire, and flame

The sinner's blood finds lover's name

"I don't like this." Shimitsu mumbled, wrinkling her nose" It doesn't make sense. Sure, I am 'sinner's blood', if my mother is anyone to go by, but why would I find 'lover's name' within 'blaze, burn, fire, and flame'. Doesn't have much logic if you ask me"

'Well, Kamito would surely disagree with that. That guy is crazy for you' Kiseki thought, but only smiled.' It's often hilarious to watch you being completely oblivious, though I suppose I should help the poor guy out'

"I don't think prophecies are supposed to be all that logical" Tsubasa countered, before turning to Kiseki" Although I don't envy the fragment that supposedly talks about you"

The demon's child will find its way

In lustful hell, with sister's fray

"Well, I am rather irresistible, if I can be modest about it" Kiseki smiled slyly" so it's only natural something connected with lust will be in my part. Technically, it is also Diana's part, but you know what I mean"

"Why are you so interested in the prophecy though?" Tsubasa inquired." Is it because of your aunt Misaki's story with dad?"

Light twinkled within the petal shape pupils against golden irises, as Kiseki smiled coyly.

"Well... that's true. I love how mom never gave up on dad, and all that time he couldn't realize she existed, she still loved him more than anything. They managed to endure enough for me to be born. I like to think that there was a destiny that bought them together"

"Except that dad quite literally defies destiny" Shimitsu pointed out." So there is no way that's true. No red thread of fate, no predestined love. That's the reason why dad had so many different lovers in so many different scenarios... lack of that destiny allowed all of us to rise up to meet in the first place"

Kiseki pouted dramatically, jabbing Shimitsu with her finger.

"Mmm, you are so aromantic sometimes, Mitsu-chan"

"Don't you 'chan' me!"

"The last time I remembered, you were the 8th daughter, and I was the 6th. Therefore, I am your onee-chan, and it is more than fitting to see my little sister is called in adorable fashion"

"I can literally vaporize you by holding your hand."

"You can try. You are not the only one with esper abilities. It doesn't change the fact that you are my little sister"

"Speaking of little sisters, let's focus on Diana." Tsubasa said, before someone appeared in the door

"What in the world are you doing?!" Mikoto shouted, looking at the present.

"Aunt Mikoto? What are you-"

"Whatever you told Shokuhou to do, it won't work on me. Come on, Kira-chan already filled me in"

From behind Mikoto, Kira's blond hair shifted like a lion's mane.

"That's right! I made a strategic decision to look for help. Valp, I told you that it was best decision"

"I think we remember things differently. You were the one who kicked the doors out of frustration and just bumped into aunt Mikoto-"

"Everyone, stop arguing immediately. We are missing the wedding here" Mikoto sighed and concentrated" At the very least there is no doubt you are his children. Unwillingly, you always end up in the biggest of messes. So, if I were him, where would I be..."

"In the place that would be most dangerous if damaged?"

"Yes"

"So the machine room it is"

(MEANWHILE)

Sena, waiting by the ceremony room's door, yawned and looked at Shen-Lung.

"You gave Diana wrong directions to go to the toilet, right? And hoped Setsu will be there, because she will always let her curiosity get the better of her"

"Hmm... maybe I did, maybe I didn't..." he said with neutral expression" Although you probably already get which is true"

"Come on, little brother" the brown-skinned teen pinched the cheek of jade-eyed boy" Our moms are best friends for millenia. I know you best out of everyone"

"But why?" Shishi sighed, crossing her arms" Why would you mess with this whole thing?"

"Because I think what may follow might be fun"

"And why are you allowing this, Sena-nee?"

"Think about it. We have strongest gathering of people on the planet right here. Our mothers can send almost everyone down to Earth with snap of their fingers"

Itsuwa's daughter sighed again, louder. Sometimes it was pointless to really try to sway Sena. Asenath Kamijou was a daughter of Magic Goddess, which meant that she didn't pay much attention to matters others would find problematic.

She was powerful, funny, and very pretty, which was not a huge surprise given that her mother was an almost all-powerful egyptian eyeturner who, lamentably for the enamoured populace, got her own eyes on one human alone.

That of course didn't mean that she was without her own problems. If that was the case, the prophecy fragment related to her would not be worded in a way that was quite worrisome:

The child of sand protects her kin

From nightmares' world beneath her skin

Shishi wanted to ask about Sena's supposed demons many times, but she never got the chance. And now it wasn't a good time either.

Suddenly, the light above their heads turned red.

"Oh. This means..."

(IN THE MACHINE ROOM)

"... that we have a problem. Don't we?" Kanari gulped.

Kira snorted, her dark blue eyes reflecting just how absolutely done she was with the situation.

"Really? I didn't notice, what gives you that idea? Can it be the red lights that may give us epilepsy and alarm blearing in the room we are in right now?"

They finally managed to arrive at the machine room with Diana and Setsu inside. After rather dramatic apology round, they went to examine the extent of the damage.

"You want to tell me..." Aoife spoke with a dumfounded look on her face" That you tripped smashed the glass, and then... the wire fell of, caused short circuiting, which damaged the cooling aperture, filled room with steam, which caused even more short-circuiting... do I follow?"

Setsu formed a nervous smile.

"It's probably worse"

"S-So... sorry... I swear I didn't mean it."

"We know. Shen contacted us moment ago and admitted to pulling a prank again. At the very least this little menace is honest about it"

"Can you forgive me?"

The teary eyes of a blond girl stared deep into her siblings' eyes.

"Of cou-" Valpurgis started to say, before Shimitsu punched him.

"Valp, damn it! This whole situation is because you were too soft in the beginning"

"What would aunt Aradia say? Valpurgis Asmodeus Kamijou, you shouldn't-"

"Wait!" Takami interrupted them" Your second name is Asmodeus? How did I not know that?"

"Kanari! This was supposed to be a secret" the poor witcher blurted out, his face getting crimson" Well, yeah, when mom and aunt Bologna had kids, they each gave a second name related to the other. Diana's second name is Aradia, and my is connected with succubi because Asmodeus is a prince of lust"

"Dude..." Kamito shook his head in disbelief" No wonder you are learning at home, others would not live this down at school"

"As a son of the head of religious order, I recommend adding the name 'Lucifer' for even bigger effect" Angelo added with a smile.

"Drop it, please, for gods' sake!"

Shimitsu looked at Diana.

Diana looked back.

Shimitsu frowned.

Diana's gaze got more pleading.

"I am sorry. Please forgive me"

The eye's of her older sister narrowed.

"Pretty please?"

Shimitsu's lip quivered, and she frowned, relenting.

"W-Whatever!" she finally said, putting a hand over her eyes, thinking:

'That's no joke! She really is too cute to bear. If she like this at this age, she is going to be heartbreaker in adulthood. Damn this succubi blood!'

"I am sorry too. I didn't want this! It's not like I wanted trouble, the trouble comes to me" Setsu exclaimed in exasperation.

They heard a laughter from behind them. They turned around too see Mikoto smiling at them.

"Sorry, but... what you just said... you may not realize it, but you sounded exactly like your dad"

"I...I did?" the green eyed brunette asked in surprise.

"Yeah, one to one comparison. It fits your mom too. When we were teenagers, Ruiko had this talent of always finding herself in the center of the biggest present mess she could imagine. Every conflict, she just was there because of some reason or by absolute mistake. Well, that's how she made the most extensive social network from all around the world, so not all of it is completely bad."

Lightning danced all over Mikoto's body.

"Well, regardless of it all, you made quite a mess, that's for sure" she muttered, tinkering with the machinery.

The siblings looked as Railgun picked up sparking electrical lines as if they were water hoses, unbothered by enormous voltage flowing out of them into her flesh. After examining them, she sighed and shook her head.

" I can weld them, but I don't think it will truly fix everything. Well, at least it's not getting any-"

FWOOOSH!

The flames exploded from couple of consoles.

"... worse"

(AND BACK TO THE PRESENT TIME)

Misaki sighed, her illusion completely off.

'I knew I got my hopes high, thinking it will be accident free... but somehow tells me my prince is not surprised by this at all'

Touma looked at Mikoto, as she stood in the doors with sizeable group of his children.

"And so, somehow, children started a chain reaction that through some explosions, leakages, and pressure differences... are now causing the station to fall to the Earth"

The crowd shifted nervously.

Touma and Helcalia exchanged glances, before smiling.

"Well, I am not saying that it's a surprise" Touma finally answered" To be honest, if not for the fact that it was Helcalia and Melzabeth-san's dream, I wouldn't risk wedding in such risky conditions. Just my mere presence elevates the chances for any disaster"

Bologna, arriving from the adjacent room in which after-party was supposed to take place, and Ruiko, coming forth from one of the front rows, looked at Touma

"You are not mad at them?" Ruiko asked

"No, I am not. Sometimes things just go bad. I was prepared for something like that. I was no better in their age. Besides, they apologized"

"Meridiana" Bologna looked at her daughter, the usage of full name indicating her seriousness" Please, be more careful in the future. For your own safety"

"Yes, mom" the girl agreed.

"And Shen, even with all of our abilities, don't pull pranks that can actually kill your family"

"I wasn't meaning to, dad. I am actually ashamed how this turned out" the pale skinned boy bowed apologetically.

That's all that matters, although we must talk about it later on. Don't worry, we were ready for this. Right, Calia?"

There was a low rumbling, and the floor tilted slightly. Explosion rocked distant part of the station, pushing it towards the atmosphere"

"I think we will begin to fall"

"Well, there is no use crying over spilled milk." Helcalia spoke strongly" Everyone, let's evacuate for now. Nephthys-san, can you take to Earth every single person on the ship?"

"Not our sweetheart there." Nephthys pointed at Touma" But are you sure you humans don't want to challenge yourselves? You are doing a wonderful job at times, not dying instantly"

The station shook.

"Nephthys, I think we take easy way out this time"

"Suit yourselves"

"Maidono, Mikoto, can you stay here, and use your abilities to keep the station intact"

"Sure" Mikoto muttered, and sent great sure of electricity through the walls, the electromagnetic force forcing the metal to stay together.

Maidono nodded and extended her hands, shouting curtly.

"BE STILL!"

Trembling lessened almost immediately, and although the station still vibrated, it was much more bearable. With Maidono's confident gesture, the floor tilted back to its original state.

"So cool..." Rhain and Chousuke both whispered in awe.

"Darling, I can easily pay for all the damages or reconstruct the station" Kongou voiced her opinion

"There will be no need. Because-"

"I will put it back in place. Meanwhile, someone skilled can make repairs."

Everyone looked around, before a hand rose up.

"I can volunteer" said Rikuri, rising from her seat" I know a thing or two about patching things up with complex machine systems"

A woman in a pink labcoat, moderate chest, and two buns of black hair on her head put a hand on her chest.

"As Amata onii-chan would say, Kihara-ness is pursuing effect with the path of highest efficiency. Picking me to deal with a machinery is fastest way to your satisfaction, Touma"

"Rikuri, Enshuu, I count on you. Now, I will go to check if anyone is left-"

"Oh, oh, oh! I will run and check it." Parvati jumped up and down in her sari" I am well rested and in tip top shape. I will heal faster than any flame can burn."

"Go then. Let's run!"

"Those fires are not supernatural. You won't be able-"

"I do not care. This is my wedding and my responsibility to deliver good ending for the guests as well as ourselves."

"Dear gods, what a stubborn husband we have" Sozty shook her head, as her daughter disappeared alongside her father.

"I will come too." Junko rose from her seat" I am fast, I will be able to check it quickly"

"I will come with you then" Gunha joined.

"My Queen, will you look after my children?"

"Of course. But Junko-"

ZOOOM!

Yet, they were already gone.

"Aunt Misaki?"

Akiko and Genki looked at Misaki, who smiled at them. while thinking

'Why do those two always make me babysit?!'

Luckily, thanks to quickness of everyone involved, it sure was clear that everyone was accounted for and present.

"I even entered the already damaged room to check" Parvati said to Gunha with glee.

The burn marks turned gold and healed in the burst of steam, alongside with a few scratches and bruises

"That's incredibly gutsy of you, good job!"

"Gunha, please don't try to get my daughter killed, whether you are her favourite uncle or not... no, especially because of that" Sozty scoffed at the level 5.

Parvati, being a bit of a chunnibyou idolizing superheroes, adored Sogiita Gunha and his style of dealing with world to bits.

"Alright. Nephthys, you know what to do. Please?"

"Alright then. But you are entitled to one miracle. If Magic God interventions become too frequent, you will grow complacent and lose your abilities, remember?"

"Yes. I am counting on you"

Nephthys closed her eyes, and in an instant, everyone, save from Touma, Maidono, Mikoto, Helcalia, Rikuri, and Othinus, were standing at the hill on the rather familiar island.

"This is... Kekkonshima!"

Kekkonshima, Island of Weddings, was the traditional point of honeymoon retreat for Touma and his wives. Two best friends, Maidono Hoshimi and Kankyougami Hasako, used their mighty abilities to lift the island from the seafloor and make it hospitable to life, respectively, with several vastly different climates displayed on the curved, long peninsulas, that encircled the island's core, courtesy of Hasako's environment conditioning technique.

Currently, they were on the hill on the eastern coast of the island, looking to the sky

Nephthys smiled

"Consider this a little bonus to my miracle"

"Where is Tenma?" Hyouka asked suddenly, crouching down.

Kaizumi frowned and started to countdown. It took a bit of time, given everyone's agitation, but the meticulous 2nd son finally turned to the oldest sibling with a frown.

"He... he appears to be missing"

"O-Oh no, did some mistake occur?" Sei, who very attached to their not-blood related brother due to their shared fondness of drawing, raised uncharacteristically outspoken alarm" Should someone go back for him?"

"There was no mistake" Hyouka replied calmly

"B-But-"

"While Hyouka onee-chan is not infallible" Ryodou hugged Sei with gentleness" We should trust that Tenma stayed behind for a reason"

'The reason is simple' Hyouka thought to herself' He listened to me, and starts taking destiny in his own hands. He is doing his best to be there for his mother and sister. Astir... she is coming. I would love to see her face. Not yet, but soon... in cross-referenced prophecies that might speak of her, she is called Golden Fruit of Understanding'.

Hyouka severely regretted not being able to visualize objects or people in her mind.

While it's obviously a link to father's relationship with aunt Othinus, it also makes me think... and maybe it's just because I am Archbishop's daughter, but... it sounds like a Fruit of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Is it a clue that Astir-chan can be susceptible to both great goodness and great evil? Maybe I am overthinking it, but I can't stop to wonder'

(MEANWHILE)

"Okay, we did what we could, it's internally ready to be transported back to the orbit but it's getting too hot. We are really falling fast now" Rikuri said to Touma, wiping the sweat from her brow.

"Good job. Thank you, Rikuri"

"Ekhm! I think services I provided are the reason this places is at least conceptually in one piece. As Byouri oba-sama used to say, excellent service requires equally valuable payment"

"You are as pragmatic as ever, Enshuu-san"

"Like Amata onii-chan used to say, logical mind is the key to most optimal victory"

Touma sighed and kissed the blue eyed Kihara on the forehead, before looking out the window, to see a silhouette flying without visible support.

Maidono soared upwards through the clouds, assessing the falling structure before ascending towards the gap in the station.

"No good. I can stop it, but not while I am still up in the air" she declared to those who remained

"Okay, I think it's time. Everyone, let's evacuate" Touma replied

"Can you really do it?" Mikoto asked Helcalia.

The bride looked at her hands and nodded firmly.

"Mister Kakine trained me relentlessly. After years, I am sure that I can pull this off. Do you trust me?"

"I do" Touma answered with equal firmness

"Then please, evacuate now. I need to have a big range for it, and I can't have you be caught in it before you reach the earth"

"You can't fly like I do" Maidono voiced her concern" Don't you need me here?"

"We can't have Othinus-san parachuting in her condition. You need to carry her down. I can't fly, but I can stop myself from falling. And if you were to touch me while I am pushing this up, I would turn you inside out"

Maidono cringed at such phrasing.

"Yeah, better to avoid that. Good luck, anyway"

Rikuri, Enshu, and Mikoto jumped outside. Each of them had their methods of getting to Earth despite general inability to fly in most conditions.

They weren't just straight up plummeting down, because combined abilities of Mikoto and Maidono caused the station to stay mostly intact and descend in a controlled manner. But they still couldn't lift it up to space with enormous gravity pressing it down when it entered the atmosphere.

But they didn't want to let the station just crash.

And that's where Helcalia came in.

Just like Touma wanted to take responsibility, she too wanted to do her part. It was her wedding after all.

Maidono took Othinus and jumped outside. Tenma looked at Touma

"Dad, are you coming?"

"Helcalia, will you be okay if we leave it to you?" Touma asked the silver haired woman

Helcalia nodded and focused on the corridor in front of them

"I will, trust me. Signal me when everyone's on the ground."

Touma nodded and grabbed Tenma.

"Let's go. Me being here will only mess Quintessence up"

Only after Helcalia noticed the parachutes going towards the earth, that she nodded to herself, placing fingers of her hands against each other, before spreading her arms.

Something washed past her, similar to dark, bluish-violet film with starry spots.

It was a sphere that enveloped the entire station.

Helcalia knew she had to use her ability more broadly but she had to wait for everyone to reach the Earth.

"I need more space."

The remaining fire bent away from her as she walked through the corridor, and so did the walls, twisting to get away from her vicinity.

She turned her hands, palms out, and dark lightning with sapphire edges crackled around her.

In the next moment, she shot forward, the pulsing of shadow corresponding with her jumps, as she travelled through widened corridor with ease, not touching the ground once.

Every single unattached thing in the sphere resembling sky at twilight started to float ever so slightly, and the station itself slowed down before coming to a stop.

Finally Helcalia reached her destination, it was the center of the station.

With a gesture, the part of the wall was repelled from near place in which she stood, showing the ocean and island below. Now she waited

(MEANWHILE)

"What is going on there?" Mizumi pushed through the crowd, standing next to Accelerator and Kaibi, as well as Haruto, Leonard, Misama (the tawny haired, helpful and free-spirited son of Shirai Kuroko, whose dream was to become a professional bodyguard) as well as Kenjou.

"They are landing" Accelerator pointed at the parachutes, and then at now suspended station" And she is waiting for everyone to be secured before she lets loose."

"Why isn't dad transforming into cool dragon like he did in the stories? Why is he using a parachute when he can do so many cool stuff with his awesome powers?" the fluffy haired daughter of Wannai Kinuho, the biggest enthusiast of her father's past adventures in the family, sounded very dejected.

Kaibi smiled and put a hand on Mizumi's head.

"I think I have an answer for you, Mizumi-chan" she said with a nostalgic glee in her voice" He has those powers. But precisely because he has them, he won't use them for his every whim"

"But he mastered them" Leo noted. They curious blue eyes of the british heir were looking straight at Measure Heart" Are you saying he won't use them because you are a therapist?"

"Well, that too, but mostly because I really know and love your father. I am aware how he thinks by now. Sometimes to really relinquish something, you first must master it, confront it, challenge yourself with prospect of power, and then letting it go in favour of something greater"

"What is greater to him than power?" Haruto mused out loud." This is the power to protect"

"Isn't it obvious? It's you, all of you... no, all of us. Kamijou Touma is the kind of person who finds his own happiness by witnessing the happiness of others and building his own further fufillment on top of that foundation. And Haru, you are right. Your father made it into the power to protect. It is why it still remains a part of him"

"I still think dragons would be cooler"

"And that's why we are the adults and you are the brats. Some things you see only when you get older. Enjoy being naive for a bit longer" Accelerator added brashly.

"Uncle Accelerator, what do you mean with 'when aunt Helcalia lets loose"

"Oh, you never saw that girl use her ability before? Go talk to number 2, he trained her"

"I know what her power is. One time, she talked with a really mean teacher of ours and I am sure she was the one that caused that this woman's hand slapped her own face instead of reaching for her phone. I think she has telekinetic ability, like aunt Maidono" Kenjou said with certainty in her voice.

"No, I think you are wrong" Misama argued, his dark eyes flashing from under his tawny bangs" One time, I was accompanying mom on her job, and we got severely outnumbered through ambush of some idiots who got a bone to pick with Anti-Skill. Then, aunt Helcalia received our need for support, and appeared in 5 minutes or so, despite being on the other side of town. She just descended from the air in an instant, moving through space like a bullet. Then she landed and all of the guys attacking us were pinned to the wall. I think she must be like mom or aunt Musujime, she can teleport somehow"

Accelerator snorted under his breath

"You are all wrong. She has a unique ability, like me or Dark Matter."

"Please, uncle, you are good at explaining stuff" Kenjou also joined the interested group."Tell us about it!"

"I do not know to, says Misaka Misaka as she excitedly looks at the sky. Please tell Misaka what is going to happen, Misaka Misaka says as she tugs on your arm impatiently"

Accelerator groaned and after a moment, he spoke:

"Strong interaction, which binds atoms together. Weak interaction, governing molecular decay. Electromagnetism, which lays origin to fields of energy and charge. Gravity, bestowing objects with weight and exerting attraction. Those four forces were the foundation upon which universe and matter were made. But... while almost all of creation is reduced to one of the four greats, there is another. A fifth force."

"A fifth force?"

"Also known as principal of quintessence. See, what is made, can also be undone. That is the nature of that force. It is the power that permeates everything there is, unseen and untouched, giving off negative pressure, pressure that pushes outward instead of onto something. Power that is the source from all expansion, natural opposite of gravity, capable of repelling all things, even light, space, and time. Force responsible for accelerated expansion of universe, a force, that can one day mark its end by causing it to unravel and rip apart. The name of this force... is dark energy"

"Dark energy? This is aunt Helicalia's ability?"

"Yeah, she can manifest the power of that stuff, which means she can repel anything, expand small fragments of spacetime, and accelerate matter away from her with its gravity turned off."

On the hill nearby, lightning shot from the earth into heaven. Accelerator gently stepped on the ground, causing the sharp walls to emerge from within the earth alongside shoreline.

"That must be the signal. She will get to work." Kakine shouted over the crowd" Everyone, hold onto something, tightly. And don't open your eyes when she starts to shine"

(ABOVE THEM)

Dark energy fluctuated around Helcalia Kamijou, as she jumped outside of the space station.

The space behind her expanded, as she accelerated downwards, twisting in mid air and looking at the structure above her.

She stabilized herself, with a burst of repulsion to go slightly higher.

Then, she took a deep breath, taking in as much air as her lungs could take, and then focusing all of her power to do what it existed to do: repel and accelerate.

The space around her bent ever so slightly, as air, gravity, and electromagnetism started to get away from her. Her body began to glimmer and then flashed with brilliant white light. It looked as if the star descended from the heaven and floated above the ocean.

Then, the negative pressure spread in all directions. Ocean water was repelled, causing great waves to crash into and over the walls Accelerator erected.

"The ocean is rising... and so is the station!"

Everything was being pushed away. Ocean was scattering equally in all directions, with most of the water floating upwards. The clouds parted and were dispersed. Trees twisted, rocks and hills soared upwards, uprooted, before zooming away. It looked as if the light was chasing every single thing away.

It included people on the ground. They felt as if something was pulling them back and down, with most people falling onto the soil or on one knee.

It looked as if the gravity increased. But it was actually the most opposite thing.

They were repelled away from the source of dark energy, Helcalia herself.

And then space station soared upward, as quickly as it was descending before, gaining altitude, as the shining source of light rose as well. After a while, it disappeared beyond the blue, while Helcalia remained, her shine glowing dimmer and dimmer, until it disappeared from their sight.

"She looks... out of this world" Misama commented.

"They say esper powers are connected with dreams and personalities. Hers is from the stars, literally and figuratively"

It was only for a moment, before Helcalia's ability deactivated itself, the sphere receeding. But they saw it.

Hair like floating strands of silver, arms, and torso covered in dark substance, neither gaseous, solid, nor liquid, purplish-blackness, with star like speckles. It was as if the night sky itself was plastered on Helcalia's body.

And then, she dropped and fell through the air.

Maidono was quick to rise up like a missile and intercept the falling bride in mid-air, before gently bringing her to the ground.

"She did it... she sent it back to the orbit, even from here. That repuslive outward push wasn't something to sneeze at"

"Wow... aunt Helcalia is really amazing. She seems perfect. She is smart, beautiful, and has such an incredible esper ability"

"She wasn't always like that" Kaibi laughed at the memory" Once, she was just a girl wanting to be stronger. A sentiment shared by many"

"But strength in itself isn't everything. One will also make many mistakes before attaining wisdom and discipline necessary to command it"

"Accelerator... don't tell them about-" Kaibi said in an alarmed tone, but the Chairman raised his hand.

"Stay quiet, Goldilocks."

"Wha- That loudmouth Lessar is still spreading this stupid nickname?!"

"This is a good opportunity for a lesson. Lesson that is more important than many they teach in schools"

Some of the other siblings, intrigued by Accelerator's tone, drew closer.

Master of Vectors sat down on the tree stump. The palm it was originally part of broke in the midst of the usage of Helcalia's dark energy.

"Listen, brats. Your father once taught me a valuable lesson-"

"Was that during the time he fought with you and defeated you through showing how weak in brawling you actually were?"

Accelerator shook his head, clicking his tongue. Hero's children were just like him in many times. It was annoyingly familiar, but strangely, he had decent patience with them, knowing the siblings since the infancy, despite not being always present.

"No, it was not during our first fight, it was during the second. During the conflict known as the World War III, that I am sure you heard of, your father taught me that so called distinction between light and darkness is pointless. In the big scheme of things, only the things and people you want to cherish and protect are ends worth your life and care"

Setsu raised her hand, as if she was in school

"Yeah?"

"Uncle, does that mean good and evil doesn't exist?"

"No, hell no, how did you draw that conclusion? It only means that not every single thing about a person and her destiny can be inferred from just those ethical terms. Someone is not inherently good or bad their whole life. Bad people... can try to atone. And even people who are seemingly flawless make mistakes. That's just life."

He looked over to the dune on which Helcalia was coming to her senses, with Touma and Melzabeth by her side.

"Yes, people make mistakes, sometimes out of the noble feelings within their hearts. For example, Helcalia there... when years ago, your oldest sister Hyouka was attacked and suffered damages in her brain that rendered her unable to interpret images and see normally. Two culprits fled from the sight, Kanzaki Kaori was helped by, among others, Helcalia Glossary. She managed to find one of the people responsible... she adored Hyouka, and loved to play with her. In the fit of grief and anger, not fully realizing how her ability will react, she focused it on the guy that came to hurt the nun's daughter."

"A-And?"

"He died" Accelerator answered dryly. The siblings listened in eerie silence" She killed him, unintentionally of course. Quintessence, her ability, is able to unravel spacetime on a micro-scale. When the target area is very small and it is used within one person or object, it will cause the atoms to be pulled apart, irreversibly separated, expanding faster than anything you could image. The molecules are repelled from one another so much that the gaps become as big as universe itself. Then every single hadron will become a world of its own. The consciousness, thoughts, and mind itself is also stretched into immeasurable vastness, as attested by Mental Out's residual thought scan. The distance between each and every fragment of body and mind becomes infinite. So although death comes quickly from outside perspective, it is felt as if eons were passing on the in-"

"ACCELERATOR!" Kaibi yelled, not caring about her usual caution when dealing with number 1 esper" That's enough, you are scaring them!"

Accelerator closed his mouth, and sighed.

"Huh... maybe you are right. This stuff... is pretty freaky. Even I can admit that. I can defend against this ability, but being at the receiving end still sounds like a drag"

"Aunt Helcalia... did she really kill someone, like you did? But she is one of the friendliest, most amazing aunts in the world" protested Chinatsu.

"Those are completely different stories. She killed through accidents, I did it from boredom, for power. I was a monster back then. Your aunt never really got over that accidental kill. But she learned from it and is doing all in her power to be careful with her abilities. I know first and foremost how bad can it be when you redirect the power and harm someone. The moral here is that life is a long story. It's filled with shit. But with good core and determination, we can make it little less shitty. There is no late time for atonement... in most cases. Your dad never gave up on me, and that's why I can even be here today, with those I care about. I am not going to be all buddy buddy here, but..."

"We know, uncle. You don't have to say anything anymore."

"I am not trusting someone saying this like that to make a correct assumption"

Kaibi sighed again

"Accelerator, I doubt this was your thing to disclose. Helcalia's struggles and sacrifices are for her to tell"

"Maybe so, but I could, personally, made it a good lesson, so I just went with it. Now, I am going to check out the supplies we have."

Meanwhile, Tenma thought hard, with hand on his chin.

"Another piece of mystery to events surrounding attack on Kamijou Hyouka. Did my aunt really killed in grief? Seems really odd... Maybe she was defending herself? Why or from whom? And who were the attackers? Where is the one that got away?"

"Tenma, why are you muttering to yourself? Are you feeling okay?" Kenjou asked him.

Ever since he joined the family, she was a caring older sister to him, concerned when he seemed off. Thus, he went to reassure her.

"Oh? Sure, I am, everything's fine."

He was really invested in solving this mystery. Not only for Hyouka, but also others in his family.

(HOURS LATER )

Kamijou Touma was looking at the gathered from the one of Kenkkonshima's dunes.

He went for a slow dance with Helcalia, who didn't have strength left for anything more energetic.

Her ability was very draining, and the more powerful the effect was, or the bigger area it covered, the more depleted the silver haired astrophysicist felt as a result. At times, she was knocked out called for hours, or rarely, even days. Fortunately, the events in which that kind of power had to be utilized could be counted on one hand. Normally, simpler replusions for defense or travel could be utilized instead.

Touma gazed upon everyone, noticing people having fun around the fire. His children danced around, laughed and played. His wives chatted among themselves, and many of his male friends were exchanging tales of old times.

He smiled looking at that.

"Well, hello there" said a cheerful voice from his left.

Touma looked in this direction, noticing a woman with silver hair, elegantly combed backwards in festive silvery-blue clothing and to the side of her head, leaving her face flawless and unobstructed from view.

"Melzabeth-san"

"Please, call me mother" she replied in relaxed voice" Is this how you normally celebrate?"

"Yes, it is, Mel...mother"

She smiled at him.

"It looks so lively"

"Yeah, more than one could imagine"

Melzabeth shielded her eyes from the gust of wind from above the ocean, before speaking to him.

"You know, there was a moment that I was worried for Helcalia. When she was very young, she tried so hard to emulate me. But it wasn't working and I feared that this constant comparing, which I discouraged, would break her spirit"

Touma listened intently.

"Yet Helcalia had it in her all along. She discovered her prowess only when she met you. I couldn't be any prouder from her, but not because she was intelligent like me. It's because she learned the truth that it took me to learn for so long"

"Something was challenging for you? But you are a genius"

Melzabeth tapped her brown forehead with a sentimental look.

"I have a very high IQ, and yes, in terms of my analytic, designing, and computing skills I am amongst world's best. But everything was always in my head since my youth. I was a very specific person, with very specific interests, concerned only with her plans and data. My motivations lied only within myself. It was a miracle that me and my husband managed to bond over our love of science. I was so awkward when it came to flirting. Sure, I had tons of men trying to date me in the past, but to actually do something when I was the one feeling love? It was a knowledge that eluded my genius. I think dear Seria-san, incredibly intelligent woman as a matter of fact, had something similar to say to you, if I am not mistaken"

Touma nodded, realizing what Melzabeth talked about.

"Yet Helcalia found you to be a source of her motivation. External motivation of a person she admired, the person who caused her to work hard to realize she is doing that for her own happiness too. I think... that in that particular case, daughter truly bested her mother. And I couldn't be happier and satisfied with it."

"For a while, mother..." Touma added" I wasn't sure how you will react to our family"

"It is certainly peculiar" Melzabeth admitted" but the cosmos is filled with strangeness. And sooner or later, Hayflick limit will be reached and that would be the end"

"Huh?"

"Oh, I just mean that death will sooner or later come for us all. Bodies can hold on only for so long. Because of that, in the longer scale of things, what matters in life is live it with feeling that there were no regrets and that life was fufilled. Whether it was seeking pleasure, obliging your duty, or anything else. What is scary is that no data can tell you the correct answer here... or even if there is any correctness at all. Touma, do you believe in God?"

This question was a bit of a shock for Touma. After a moment, he replied.

"I... don't know. As things are now, I don't think so, not in a way Agnese would like me to believe... perhaps because I saw many gods, demons, angels, and others in my life. They weren't at all like the God I thought should be the ruler of the universe. But... I think I would like to believe that such a being existed"

Melzabeth laughed melodiously.

"We are the same then. I too would like to be able to believe. This is my point. Even if we go somewhere when we die, I don't think we have an agency we have when we live this life, agency, that I so love while being a scientist. My ancestors believed in reincarnation. But either way, this is the only life I have as me. So living it your way is important, because the only person would care, or to whom it will ultimately matter the most, is you"

Touma nodded, as they both looked at the stars.

"Do you regret it? Paying the price?" he asked.

Melzabeth looked at him, with curiosity.

"What price?"

"Realizing that others can be source of love means that they can be source of pain" Touma explained" At least, I suffered a lot because of the outside world, but ultimately, this very world brought me love. You suffered a lot when you lost your husband. So-"

"Of course I would pay the price again" Melzabeth smiled, pointing at Helcalia, down below, near the bonfires" People who die enrich us with what they gave us, even if they are not physically present. And if I had no risk pain, I wouldn't have my daughter"

Touma smiled.

"I feel the same way. All the pain I chose, it is worth this. Melzabeth-san...mother... I can die at any day. I am doing my best for them, but the fact that the misfortune is trying to collect me remains constant. Those who wield Imagine Breaker are hated by fate itself, because we were born to defy it. I was selfish, brining so many in the world when I am a harbinger of disaster"

"So why still do it?"

"Because... from the bottom of my heart, even if this world is cruel... no, especially because of that... I still love them. I would like to do my best for my children to be happy that they were born in it. I will sacrifice the rest of my days for them to have opportunity to smile. I never thought that someone so bruised and ragged by life, struggling to live, can make a difference... but I am trying my hardest. For them"

"For them" the silver haired mother echoed with distant eyes.

The sat under the starry sky, admiring its splendor.

"Ktch!"

The silence was broken when Melzabeth bent away, stifling a sneeze.

"Bless you. Are you cold?"

"Thank you. Yes, I am bit chilled, so I will probably return down for now. Also... Touma, I am very, very glad that you married my daughter. Please, look out for each other"

"I will do that. Thank you for blessing this marriage" Touma replied with gratitude" It is always a pleasure to talk to you, mother"

"Oh, pleasure is mutual, thanks for entertaining this old woman"

"Old? You are as beautiful as on that day in Los Angeles" Touma protested in spirit of politeness.

He wasn't even exaggerating that much. Similarly to his own mother, or Mikoto's mom, Misuzu, Melzabeth barely aged at all, aside from a small addition of wrinkles, barely noticeable. If earlier they looked like older sisters of their children, now everything were saying that they were mothers, despite that all three were about to reach, or already reached, grandmother's status.

"Oh, you charmer. Always so adoring of older women"

"One has nothing to do w-with the other..."

"Messing with a heart of poor widow..."

"You are the one always messing with me. And you are anything but poor!"

"If you were born 10 or 15 years earlier... you would not easily escape..."

"M-Melzabeth-san.."

"Mother!"

"Mother, this is your daughter wedding, don't tease me like that. I am faithful to Helcalia!"

"Oh? And here I thought that my kiss in Los Angeles meant something... my self esteem of a good-looking mother is going to be crushed..."

"Even if, due to being an onee-san lover at the time, I permanently store that moment in my memory, I am not falling for that!"

"Hmm..." Melzabeth smiled and sighed" Fair enough. You and Helcalia are too adorable to tease you for too long. Quite an impressive fidelity"

"Thank-"

"That's why resisting my teasing deserves a reward"

And before he knew it, she planted a kiss on his forehead.

Touma blushed, mainly from embarrassment.

"MELZABETH-SAN!"

Snickering at her successful tease, the woman waved to him, as she walked down the dune.

Ever since she learned that Helcalia fell in love with a guy who saved her, she knew she wanted to support the two and chose Touma to be part of wedding in space she dreamt of. In her heart, she was eternally loyal to her husband, and never remarried.

But that didn't stop her from teasing the hell out of Touma, knowing full well the effect she had on him in the first meeting. Why did mothers of some of his wives wanted to do this? It always ended with his fathers-in-law devising some new torture methods and him dreading the holidays outside his own houses.

Touma fell onto his back, his mind thinking of many things, ignited into action through the discussion he just had.

Kamijou Touma never wanted the glory, fame, power, or women.

All he wanted was a bit of peace and tranquility. A peace amongst people he met along his long life. He wanted normality and simple pleasure of mundane things others took for granted, but for him, meant the joy of staying alive another day.

The most misfortunate man alive could find happiness in simplest of things.

As he said before, he never wanted the harem in itself.

But well, if due to some cosmic joke, the alternative was an enormous civil war, then he tried his best to give both himself and everyone else happiness in this form.

It was a bit of gamble, honestly. Each of so called routes was a different fate, with different partner, resulting in his life taking a slightly different path, resulting in a different, unique child.

With each destiny however, came unique package of misfortune and suffering. Instead of just one, he took upon himself misfortune of multiple lifetimes, and remembered it clearly.

Was it worth it?

Absolutely. It wasn't outright desired, it was painful, but he would not change a thing.

Because he knew that as much as he could, he did everything to make everyone happy. He knew that all the people around him wanted the same for him.

And then, there were his children. He awaited their arrival ever since they came to him in visions that he had due to Magic God meddling in his teenage years.

But the experience, seen from the other side, was so much richer and more prominent. More than he could ever imagine.

Of course, it was no walk in the park. In their infancies, almost every single one of them caused a fair bit of mayhem. Touma thought that thankfully, he could take care of them one by one, and his children weren't together in their first, earliest years.

As cute as this would be, it would also mean the end of the world, no exaggeration.

Yet despite all of the differences in timelines, of 'could have beens' and 'would have beens', there was a certain constant.

Touma felt as if the peace he yearned for was completed within his soul, each and every time he witnessed the birth of a son and daughter, in every timeline of every phase..

And each and every time, he felt changed for the best, discovering feelings and love he didn't think was possible every time he looked in their eyes.

Eyes that with time became dark, like his own, but also crystal blue, indigo, grey jade green, fuchsia pink, golden, brown, and moonstone sliver. It mattered not. Regardless what those eyes looked like or who they belonged to, he felt immense pride as they looked at each other for the first time, and he felt past and future joining as one within the most beautiful present, that was new life.

And so they came, separated by time and space, by destined to meet through gift of gods, from oldest to youngest. Hyouka, Ryodou, Kenjou, Kaizumi, Leo, and Aoife. Kira, Kanari, Kiseki, Sena, as well as Takami. Shimitsu, Tsubasa, Shizuka, Angelo, and Parvati, too. Haruto, Chousuke, Seika, Miya, together with her twin brother Tomoya. Tannia, Elizabeth and Mary, Shishi, Etain, alongside Sei. Rhain, Mizumi, Hayate, Chinatsu, with Valpurgis closely following. Wataru, Densetsu, Misama, Junya, Serina, Meridiana, and Shen-Lung. Together with his adopted son Tenma, three that were born shortly after consolidation of Future Phase (and as such were infants): Naru's son Sakurai, Orsola's daughter Clara, and Good, Old Mary's son, Theo, accompanied with Hokaze Junko's child, either Akiko or Genki, rescued by Niang-Niang, and finally not yet born Ástir, who was growing within Othinus, those were all of his children. That is, until time came, and Oriana, Rin, Amazora, Maria, and Helcalia wanted to be mothers too, and their children would complete the generation. All in all, roughly estimating (because he could not predict the last few pregnancies that did not yet occur), it would be 50 children, each unique, complicated, and so wonderful.

Touma snorted in disbelief. If someone told him years ago that he would cheat reality and father more or less half a hundred children to avoid apocalyptic conflict of unseen proportions, he would assume that the eggs he bought at the sale were rotten and he is now hallucinating because of the fever caused by indigestion.

Not every single one of women he shared romantic feelings with had kids, even if the vast majority did.

For example, Touma held close romantic ties with Lucia, but things always ended on kissing or sleeping with one another, with precaution in regards to actual procreation. The nun chose to remain childless through virtue of chastity, and even the transition of Agnese Forces into Agnesian Order, which in general rejected celibacy and viewed "destined partner" as a symbol of God's love (and as such not something to be frowned upon), Lucia never felt comfortable with this opportunity, and stuck to old rules, despite the closeness she and Touma found over the years. Even in her timeline, she opted not to go as far as actually bear a child. Touma held too much admiration for her wit and sarcastic humour, for qualities of her passionate soul and beauty of her body, as well as respect for her wishes in general, to let anything less ruin their now deep relationship, especially with having so many children already.

To think that through all of death, tears, pain, loneliness, suffering, and strife, something so fragile and so precious could come forth into existence, made his tired soul feel like all of it was worth it. He felt that even if he was to die tomorrow, which wasn't an unreal possibility given his life, he would at least know that his life contributed to something amazing.

The only thing that really kept him awake were the last verses of the Prophecy:

Of thousands fates, the hero's kin

Of dozens mothers to be born

They are the golden future's heirs

They are its life, they are its scorn

He didn't like the word scorn in relation to his children. Could the future tilt in the direction of darkness through some incoming choices? And why?

Touma sighed. He really should take Gunha's advice and focus on the present.

Misfortune will always come, after all. It was as certain as the fact that if one turned on the light to guide himself, he would be casting the shadow.

"Hey" he heard Kaibi's voice, as she approached him from the side and took his hand into hers" What are you doing?"

"Just... thinking."

"Thinking? Sounds serious. About what?

"Very funny... about life, Kaibi."

" To rhyme it with life, shouldn't you think more your wife? And as much as I would love to jump in instead, I don't mean me. Helcalia recovered enough, give her some more dances" Rikuri, accompanying her younger sister, put her hand on Touma's shoulder." It's her wedding, you should give her attention. While you do that, you have to check Amazora-chan. She is doing drinking contest, again"

"Oh sweet heavens" Kaibi sighed, cringing slightly" Why does this spirit of mischief has to get drunk on weddings? She is terrible when she has a hangover"

Touma smiled and stretched his muscular body. He never gained, intentionally, enough muscle to be overly buff, like a gym junkie, but years of fighting did their job, especially with his right arm. He appeared thin enough to keep the aura of youthful free spirit, which went along with a coat he sometimes liked to wear, but was also build well enough to be imposing if needed. This balance was essential and useful in his job of being private detective, involved in solving and rescuing people from mysterious crimes, alongside Mii-san and Judgement.

And as he stretched, he felt the gratitude filling up his being, from head to toes.

"You know what, I will do just that. And one more thing..." he looked at two pink eyed blonds.

Over the years, their sisterly similarity was even more apparent, and for some reason, this made a wave of tenderness swell within his heart.

His gently hugged both of them with a smile, trying to conveying his feelings as best as he could, and promising to find Amazora later on to do the same.

"I love you"

And just as they looked similarly in their sisterhood, Kaibi and Rikuri's faces flushed red in the same way.

The oldest sister made a purring noise, and whispered

"I love you too"

while Kaibi blinked rapidly and, twirling a lock of her hair in her fingers, muttered

"Y-You know I adore you, too... but w-w-why all of the sudden?"

Touma pulled away and started to walk down from the dune.

"Do I need a reason? If there is one, I guess... it is the wedding. I think those kind of celebrations made me realize how great it truly is that I managed to fight hard enough to see this day with my own eyes. As simple as that"

(1 HOUR LATER)

Dancing with Helcalia was a wonderful experience. They glided, unbothered, with brown skinned beauty resting her head on his shoulder, her face adorned with a gentle blush and his hands gently resting on her waist.

Kamijou Family had quite a few celebrations: Reunions, Holidays, commemorations of important events of some of the adults present (such as the anniversary of Touma's first battle with Accelerator, during which the family honoured the fallen and departed Misaka Clones, with Touma, Accelerator, Mikoto, and Will of the Misaka Network being heads of ceremony), as well as birthdays. Aside from Touma's, and the birthday of each particular child, the especially important festivity was Decemeber celebration of Leivnia and Patricia Birdway's birth. Not because the british twins had higher status within the family than others, but because it was the only time of the year when, for three days, the Kamijou and Kamisato families reunited.

The reasons for this and the celebration in itself were fascinating enough to warrant its own tale, a tale that in due time will be told to you, dear readers.

For now, it's sufficient to say that on such celebrations, he could be the partner to anyone who wanted it when it came to dancing.

But it was an unwritten rule that as far as the weddings went, the right to dance for the night was for the bride alone. And so, for this one night, Helcalia enjoyed this exclusivity

But although the dance and the proximity of sweet smelling, charmingly-looking woman by his side were a blessing, despite that he chuckled at the antics of his children, alongside some of their aunts (Amazora being a queen of blissful partying), even though he received thousands of congratulations, for which he was grateful, despite living through them dozens of times in different scenarios)...

Despite all that...

Something was eating at him, as he looked at the crowd.

For the third time, he thought someone was missing from the gathered.

Who? Who was that? It was killing him, and it was terrifying that he couldn't guess...

Something flashed on the edge of his field vision. Long blond hair...

'That person' was here!

No... that was Thor. No, it wasn't about him.

Something golden flashed on the other edge. Earrings...

'That must be it. Earrings... that person '

But it was Kongou Mitsuko, her snake earrings dangling and casting golden reflexes. Upon seeing his gaze on her, she blushed and waved to him merrily.

He waved back, more and more dazed.

Soon, he started to notice more details.

'Checkered pattern... glossed lips... aquamarine eyes... aquamarine... aqua... marine...'

It happened suddenly. The realization descended upon him like a sudden lightning.

He gagged, putting a hand to his mouth, and excused himself, manouvering through the crowd, running into the forests of Kekkonshima.

He felt rush of wind, and noticed Helcalia following him. Despite her ability being depleted and recharging, she pushed herself to exhaustion, using her repulsive movement to keep up with him.

"Touma, what is wrong?"

Finally, Touma calmed down, and stopped at the clearing, above the dunes and in the entrance to the forest.

"What happened?" Helcalia asked tenderly, with genuine worry" Did I do something wrong?"

"No, no, it's not you. I just realized... someone very important is not with us right now. And I can't... why can't I..."

"Touma, who is missing?"

But the man shook his head and called out.

"Nephthys! Niang-Niang!"

Two Magic Goddesses appeared as swiftly as if they were standing by his side all along. Over the years, they developed various connections, predominantly through name magic and certain talismans. And even without using true names, as Nephthys called them, it usually sufficed for Touma to call to them for them to come to his side, even from other side of the world.

"Hmm?" Niang-Niang muttered, chewing on the food" Do you want to thank us for glorious assist? It was a good use of our abilities"

Touma and the Goddesses made a deal to limit the usage of their abilities for favours, to prevent him from becoming complacent and his mind going dull.

"No, that's not it! I realized something... weird and unsettling"

"Yes, Niang-Niang, something appears to be bothering our dear human" Nephthys tilted her head to the side, looking within Touma's eyes with her own" Whatever it may be? Maybe we should help him ease up?"

"And you say I am the dense one." Niang-Niang scoffed" I doubt your chest or my feet are solutions here. Touma, you need our wisdom, right? What do ya wanna ask?"

Touma was silent for a moment, before finally speaking.

"You are always perceptive with stuff like that... look, I noticed that someone is missing. Someone that was close to us, that I considered a soulmate and dear companion, one that I tried to understand not unlike you two or Othinus, albeit for different reasons. And this is why it horrifies me... it is terrifying that I forgot... that it omitted me that she was missing..."

Realization started to creep onto the faces of two divine women as well.

"I... suspected that someone was amiss..." Nephthys admitted" for quite some time..."

"Same here. I didn't want to alarm you though, because it boggled me" Niang-Niang added" it's... hazy..."

"It's like..." Nephthys' lovely face donned a frown of deep concentration" As if..."

"When I think about her, I think she is dead" Touma whispered" but when I think about that state of things for too long, it fades away, and I know she is alive... only for entire thing to repeat again and again..."

"Oh, yes, exactly like that! But... one cannot be dead and alive at the same time if it's a normal being abiding the rules of life and death. So why does it elude us..."

"Who... who are you talking about?" Helcalia asked, gently grabbing Touma by the arm.

Nephthys' musing was interrupted by the rustling of the leaves mixed with sand, as Index appeared from the darkness, wheeling in Othinus.

"Oh? Hello... we just wanted to go for a walk together and reminisce side by side... but we happened to overhear you" Index said quietly, before echoing Helcalia's question" Touma, what is going on? Who are you talking about?"

Touma slowly turned around, his silhouette clashing in front of maw of the jungle, with starlit sky above them.

He asked a question, not only to some of the loved ones that stood before him, but also to that vast sky, as if he hoped that some voice would bring him the answer back.

"Where on earth... is Ladylee?"

(TO BE CONTINUED...)

Here we are, back at the bottom. A few things to address when it comes to this chapter's contents. Before we move on to the next, let's talk about them.

I am sure many of you are questioning, and I think this is a very legitimate questioning, why Helcalia Grocery (or Glossary, as she later renames herself in that story? In any way, why Helcalia's wedding? Why of all the weddings, which there are a lot, a lot, a loooooot, in this story, I decided to write about Hecalia's? To answer this question, I need to make some side notes, and also explain why Helcalia is even around in this story to begin with.

Firstly, it is unlikely that this is the only wedding I will describe, since this story has so many pairings, so many children, and so much potential of emotional, beautiful moments on wedding ceremonies. That being said, the concept of wedding in space, spearheaded by Melzabeth through her Space Engage company, stuck in my head for a really, really long time. It fascinated me ever since I read GT4. There was just so incredibly enchanting and otherworldly about this idea for me. So I knew that in some form or way I had to attempt to write this unique and special form of wedding. I suppose this is one of those things I wanted to write because I had a personal preference to just have it written down for fans to enjoy. How many amazing concepts from canon, that were just put there as ideas, will never be elaborated and expanded upon both in canon and fanon? I just knew I had to make certain things come to life so at least one attempt will be made. Helcalia's space wedding was just one of many such things.

Also, about Helcalia herself. I wouldn't say she is my top favourite, but ever since I saw her in GT4, alongside Melzabeth, I thought: 'I really don't want them to just disappear' (and I am afraid she may not return again) and, as you probably know by now, I deemed them underused characters that needed to be expanded upon. Firstly, I love Helcalia's design. The blue, silver, and brown have a really charming, exotic vibe to it. Same with Melzabeth. Also, it is clear that Helcalia is conceptually related to Index. How much can be drawn from just this similarity? Index vs Glossary comparison is just a droplet in the sea. Because additionally, I thought that Touma saving Helcalia and defending Melzabeth's innocence were a really solid basis for Helcalia's further development. That it would motivate her to find her strength, motivation, and develop due to crush for a guy who saved her, at the same time finding her own self, not being just a younger copy of her mother, someone charming but clueless, intelligent but also naive, someone very devoted to Touma, making mistakes, and always trying her hardest. I wanted to have her befriend Amazora because they are very different and it creates funny, friction dynamic between them.

I thought that another thing that is similar to Index that I wanted to explore is that if Index was a source of magic side knowledge and power by Touma's side, I wished to make Helcalia the same source of power by Touma's side, but in form of esper ability. I figured that with right motivation, Helcalia may turn out very smart, like her mother, and become a prominent esper. So I went to design her esper ability, as a creative challenge. It took some time to decide. I wanted to follow few self-imposed rules

a) The ability would be unique

b) The ability would appear simple in its basic mechanism, but be actually very versatile (as an example I took Accelerator's Vector Transformation, which as a concept is simple, but the diverse applications make it trully formidable)

c) The ability would be space-related in some way

After reading a few books for research purposes, I was struck by inspiration while learning about dark energy, particularly from the book 'The End of Everything (Astrophysically speaking)' by Katie Mack. Dark energy is a powerful force on the galactic level that is thought to have repulsive properties. I thought that even though repelling stuff is pretty straightforward, but there is a lot that can be done with that, since repelling forces can be tremendously powerful. After all, the Big Rip, an apocalyptic scenario which suggests spacetime itself tearing apart through ultra-potent dark energy, is one of the four scenarios for end of universe, alongside Big Crunch, Big Change, and Big Freeze.

Helcalia's esper ability, Quintessence (クインテッセンス) written as 天の反発力 (Ten no hanpatsu-ryoku, meaning Celestial Repulsion) allows her to manifest and manipulate density of an elusive force of nature known as dark energy, which is speculated to be the source of universe's accelerating expansion. The ability allows the manipulation of usually invisible and negligible dark energy within the preselected range (the shape of which is decided by the user), enabling the variety of effects. Condensing dark energy by Helcalia causes its effects to be felt on microscale (they are usually only ever felt on the level of galaxies and bigger). Quintessence exerts strong repulsive effect and is able to repel almost anything physical away from the user, including light and space itself. Due to dark energy having negative pressure and being natural opposite of gravity, it temporarily negates weight of things caught in the range of ability, creating the sphere of floating objects, both solid and liquid. Things within the range are then pushed away from the user with great force, with the power of repulsion increasing the longer Quintessence is in effect. The name of Quintessence is a reference to concept of dark energy being a shifting scalar field, contending for the name of fifth fundamental force (lat. Quinta Essentia)

With the repelling force of Quintessence, Helcalia is able to enact couple of techniques:

1. Dark Energy Press (暗黒エネルギー押す): Most basic technique, where, after setting the range of ability, the user changes density of dark energy within the area, causing target of choice to be pushed away from the user, or set point in the area, with great force.

2. Spatial Expansion (空間的の拡大): Through expansion of the spacetime itself, user can stretch matter to great lengths, or cause great destruction by straining pre-existing structures by pushing them beyond their limits.

3. Spatial Slingshot (空間的のカタパルト): By expanding space behind her by applying Quintessence to it, the user can push themselves in direction of choice with great speed, similarly to being shot through air by a slingshot, allowing quick travel.

4. Dark Energy Bind (空間的のバインド) By creating few points of repulsion caused by densening dark energy in couple of distinct places within range, their repelling forces can trap a target, immobilizing it.

5. White Hole (ホワイトホール) Ultimate defensive technique. By desening the dark energy, the user causes everything around them to be repelled with tremendous force carrying on through long distances. The repulsion includes oxygen and light around them, causing them to glow brightly. It is capable of pushing away even considerably heavy structures, but it is limited by the lung capacity of the user as, during its usage, the user is unable to take in air.

6. Phantom Unravelling (ファントムの解ける) Most potent offensive technique, most taxing, and most dangerous to use. After creating the small radius of effect, the ability is utilized on an object, being or fragment of space, causing it to be pulled apart and repelled from within itself, atom by atom. It's dividing the molecules and putting them into their own, nigh-infinite expanses of space, until the spacetime itself rips apart on a microscale, creating an explosion. If the technique is utilized on a living being, both physical and mental processes of the target are stretched in time to unfathomable lengths, even if the unravelling is instantenous from the outside perspective.

If anyone is curious why there is connection of Quintessence with Kakine's Dark Matter, it not only because of connection of dark matter - dark energy. Is more in the fact that dark energy is something that can't be normally perceived, described, or observed. So in a way, it is similar to Kakine's ability, which is something that doesn't really exist in the proper universe.

Important note: when it comes to Future Phase, it is rather obvious that after their weddings the brides lose their surnames in favour of gaining Touma's (eg. instead of Misaka Mikoto, Kanzaki Kaori, Yakumaru Itsuki, Kankyougami Hasako or Sozty Exica, we have Kamijou Mikoto, Kamijou Kaori, Kamijou Itsuki, Kamijou Hasako and Sozty Kamijou). They also address each other by name/ by name + "-san", since they are all relatively close. However, to avoid confusion, since some of the characters are predominantely addressed by surname in fandom's consciousness (e.g "Kongou", "Maidono", "Yakumaru"), I decided to address them as I would in the present, and switch to names in direct speech between characters. Compare: "Kongou thought about it, walking with her children" vs. ""Mitsuko-san, come with me please" said Hasako"

Okay, what else to say here? In addition to the Helcalia lore, we have a lot of Kamijou Siblings lore. I will do my very best to portray relationships, rivalries, hopes, insecurities, and proper futures of this diverse bunch, here and in the sequel I think I singled out 50 [addendum: 52. As people pointed out, I have yet to include Anna and Mut] as the final number of children. It is big, yet elegant, easy to remember, and more or less covers vast majority of Touma's routes. The stories of majority of the Kamijou siblings will probably appear in the future sequel, to be made one day, especially expanding on the Prophecy concerning the Kamijou family [FOR ANYONE WANTING TO RE-READ THE FULL TEXT OF SAID PROPHECY, GO TO THE END OF CHAPTER 37]. In the closer future, we may handle the mystery of the fate of Ladylee Tangleroad, who is mysteriously neither (or both) dead and alive in the minds of Future Phase's inhabitants. The fact that she wasn't mentioned yet in Future Phase was no mistake, let me tell you that.

If you got curious while reading this chapter what is Haruto's ability that he used on Miya, it's manipulation of risk perception. It is due to him being a son of Kaibi that he has a mental influence ability. He cannot control minds directly, but he can alter someone's perception of risk, making others abstain from an action they wanted to do by making it appear particularly dangerous, or encourage someone to do something by making it appear less risky and uncertain. This ability is particularly useful to Haruto, who loves to gamble and play cards.

As a brief bit of trivia, mentioned briefly when Kamijou siblings were introduced, but now expanded upon, I devised most of the names of the children with a meaning in mind, referring either to their mother/someone close to their mother, or a particular sibling's personality/looks. Here is a list (with mothers' names in [] brackets). Here is a list of some of the meanings:

Hyouka [Index] - Her namesake is Kazakiri Hyouka

Rydou [Fukiyose]- means 'Way of Strength'

Kenjou [Kanzaki] - means 'Sword Queen'

Kaizumi [Kumokawa Seria] - his namesake is the benefactor of Kumokawa Seria, Kaizumi Tsugotoshi

Aoife Airgid Gealach [Bayloupe]- together, they mean 'Beauty of Silver Moon' (by the way, I fell in love with the name Aoife through research of this story. It's just so pleasant sounding!)

Kanari [Mitsuari Ayu]- her namsake is Toomine Kanari, IDEAL girls deceased caretaker.

Kiseki [Misaki]- means 'Miracle' and refers in general to Touma and Misaki's history and their reunion.

Asenath ("Sena") [Nephthys] - means 'The One For Whom The Sun Rises'

Takami [Mikoto] - means 'Hawk Sight', also a reference to both Tabigake and Touma

Shimitsu [Mugino] - name closely related to Shizuri and Shizue, her mother and grandmother within the PPC. Kanji in her name can be read as 'Deadly light', nod to the fact that she is daughter of Meltdowner.

Tsubasa [Maidono]- means 'Wings'

Shizuka [Hasako] - means 'Song of Nature'

Angelo [Agnese] - means 'Angel'

Parvati [Sozty]- named after hindu goddess, wife of Shiva.

Haruto [Kaibi] - named after his deceased grandfather, (Amazora's, Kaibi's, and Rikuri's dad in PPC)

Chousuke [Youen] - means 'Son of Butterfly'

Seika [Arisa/Shutaura/Mitsumi] - means 'Song of Stars'

Miya [Kongou] - means 'Beautiful Radiance'

Tomoya [Kongou] - means 'Friend of The Night'

Sei [Himegami] - named after Fukiyose Seiri

Mizumi [Wannai] - means 'Water Beauty', can also mean 'Lake'

Hayate [Awatsuki] - means 'Gale', in appreciation of Kongou Mitsuko

Chinatsu [Rikuri] - means 'Thousand Summers'

Britannia ("Tannia") [Lessar] - named to honour Great Brittain

Shiina Tsushima (Shishi) [Itsuwa] - named in appreciation of Kamijou Shiina and Tsushima of Amakusa

Valpurgis [Aradia] - names after Vapurgis Night, the most important of witch sabbats.

Wataru [Konori] - named after Kurozuma Wataru

Densetsu ("Setsu") [Saten] - means 'Legend'

Misama [Kuroko] - play on words, fusing words Misaka and Touma

Serina [Yakumaru]- play on words, fusion of syllables from each Scavenger member except Yakumaru

Tenma [Othinus] - referrs to mythological equine of buddhist mythology.

Akiko Senya [Junko]- first name means 'Autumn Child, second name is in honour of Yuuri Senya

Genki Taima [Junko]- first name means 'Fit, Healthy', second name is written as name Touma, but spelled in a different manner.

Meridiana ("Diana") [Bologna] - name of historically famous, XI century succubus.

Shen-Lung [Niang-Niang] - means 'Son of Dragon'

Sakurai [Naru] - a nod to Naru's surname, Sakuragi

Clara [Orsola]- named after St. Clara of Assisi.

Theo [Good, Old Mary] - named after Philippus Aureolus Theophrastus Bombastsus Von Hohenheim, more commonly known as Parcelsus, famous alchemist. This individual is also the source for Izzard's name.

Ástir [Othinus] - means 'Loves/ Of many loves', due to the fact that many people helped in her birth.

Well, let's stop here for now. I cannot wait to share new chapter with you. It will solve one of the addressed plotpoints with certain magic side characters, that I can say. I am very excited to write about them, as I feel there is little to no content about them. I want to change it and enrich the fandom. But that's for the future.

As I said, I have a medical procedure to undergo, coming up next week. It is nothing dangerous, and I think it may give me some extra time to follow my interests while resting if, as I hope, everything goes without a problem. Regardless of everything, as always, I will do my best to return and share with you more, as fast as I can and as quickly as I am allowed to.

Until next time! You are all awesome, take care.