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!

51. Chapter 51

PAINTED PRISON CHRONICLES

CHAPTER 51

RECOVERY ARC: THE AWAKENING

Hello again, it was a real deal of effort in the passed month to pull this off, but I returned. Honestly, it gives all the more satisfaction when after tireless mountain of exams, falling sick, and having mountain of chores you finally manage to go forth with your passion project. Nothing beats that.

I hope everyone is doing well and that you are still here in the first place. I hope the weight was worth it and that new arcs that are about to come will spark up some nice excitement. While there will be some adventures on the line in the future chapters, we will move for now to a more homely setting, and focus on what happens with Kamijou Touma after his coma (as you could deduce from the ending of the last chapter, which was in its own right a prelude to the upcoming Recovery Arc (aka Housewife Arc), Touma is indeed going to wake up. While we will focus on slower pace, this doesn't mean new faces won't appear, as this chapter will indicate.

The story goes on, taking new turn. Some future events will be hinted, some already were. However, right now, Touma needs to gather his strength and find his quiet life with friends who love him once again.

While I have the outline for quite a bit of material (and chapters) the aftermath of the hard times that I went through (hard in terms of quantity of work) may still make writing a longer task than usual. Hopefully not as long as it was for this chapter, but just in case, your patience is appreciated.

Dear readers, you waited long enough. So, let's do the Q&A corner...

Whatamidoinghere2: Huh, look at that, you gave me inspiration. Enjoy the reading

Dredgon: Like I said, thanks to you, the idea was reinvented for Lucia to run the orphanage with Touma's help. It was an excellent suggestion.

Averge stuufy: Not going to lie, Rimea and Touma's interaction holds a very special place in my heart. Rimea in general is such a psychologically deep, underused character, so seeing her and Touma interact together is a treat.

FingFangFoom100: Like above, I love Rimea, so it's all the more pleasure to be able to write her. Also, the nuns really needed the chance to shine together with Touma, there is dramatically little of this sort of stories.

Without further delay, let's begin!

Shades of grey and blurry images, flashes of colour and light, distorted sounds and sensations... they all started to come to him slowly, painfully slowly.

The delirious state seemed to stretched for aeons, but finally, it came to an end.

Kamijou Touma realized that he was laying down in bed. He ultimately recognized the fact that he was alive, in possession of his body, and that his mind came back to him...

Well, almost. As he willed himself to move, and his body obliged, slowly at first but with growing degree of vitality returning, he noticed his face in a reflection. He frowned and opened his mouth.

No sound came out. He tried again and again. Nothing.

His vocal chords were not in use for quite some time.

Finally, he choked out

"Who... am I?"

Now, Kamijou Touma had his fair share of amnesia experiences. What he was experiencing now was not nearly as severe. His memories were intact, and yet for a time being his identity was clouded. He was quite unsure of what happened and who was he.

And what exactly transpired?

Kamijou Touma, in the battle to both defeat and aid Vasilisa the Beautiful, received the severe, life threatening burns while shielding his companions from a powerful spell. While he survived, the aftermath saw his slip into a deep coma, in which he remained... until today.

Touma, still trying to gain any answers about his situations, walked unsteadily across the room.

It was a peaceful afternoon outside, as far as he could tell. The hospital was very quiet and nothing seemed to be out of ordinary.

Finally, the boy got in front of the mirror and looked at himself.

He saw a boy with a medium length straight hair, something one would see in a shonen manga, staring at him from the mirror with dark eyes. For some reason, this was very odd to him. Was he used to a different sight?

In fact...

He realized that he had to be out of it for quite some time.

"What happened..."

And...

Who was he?

In his mind, there were quite a few people. Memories were appearing and mixing, the people within them visible and yet distant.

He put hands in front of his chest and tilted his head.

"I am hungry!" he said, baring his teeth.

He shook his head, before winking to the mirror.

"Such misfortune ability, is it not, who am I?"

Another shake.

"Who am I supposed to be, desu?"

And another, as he continued on.

"Haaah, who am I, you piece of trash?"

"Whooooo ammmmm IIIIIII?!"

"Darling, darling, darling... who am I?"

"Hello gentleman caller..."

"Nice guts!"

"Ara mah, who are you indeed?"

All for nothing. Even though he switched through lot of characters and people in his memories, none of those mannerisms were his. He determined all of those were indeed people who were not originally him.

But who was he really? He thought he knew, it was almost there... but he could not truly embrace it...

Looking around, he noticed a letter on the nightstand.

"That might give me some clue" he decided...

... and then walked straight into the wall

"Ugh!" he groaned painfully, now on the floor" What was that about? Fukou da..."

That phrase... it was so, so very familiar... why did he said it? Was he unlucky?

Probably, since he was in a coma.

Finally, the boy reached for the nightstand and grabbed the letter.

It read as followed:

Dear Kamijou

The boy frowned and glanced at his reflection once again.

Kamijou... that was him?

He then got the idea and walked to peek outside of the room, looking at the nameplate of the door.

"Kamijou Touma..."

Alright, sounded... decent, he supposed.

He got back to the letter.

If you are reading this, it means that you regained consciousness and cognitive functions during the maintenance period of your recovery tank. While it is a rather unlikely scenario, your body, its capacities, and most importantly, its willpower to survive and adapt eluded even my expertise. Thus, I am leaving you this message to explain a couple of things.

First of all, don't be alarmed. Your situation was rather... complicated. You see, most patients who get into coma switch to vegetative state in the matter of 10 to 14 days, meaning that they go from fully unresponsive to having day-night cycle (eye opening and such) but still being unresponsive to stimuli. That was your case too. However, from that point, you should have achieved state of minimal consciousness, and yet... you remained in a vegetative state. Awakening from a longer period of time in this state is... well, even I didn't want to create false hope.

And yet, if you are indeed reading this, that of course means that you somehow awoken directly from the vegetative state, with only minimal transition to state of minimal consciousness, and are among us once again. Welcome back. Now, few explanations are in order.

What got you into the coma was mental and physical fatigue, accompanied with extensive heat damage and burns to your back, legs and arms. We used the technology similar to that that was used to treat our shared friend Aleister, and the skin overhaul was based on the case of miss Mugino Shizuri. The young heiress of Kongou family and your other lady friends contributed financially for the treatment to be possible.

You are probably wondering why you can walk and enjoy your strength with relative ease. Well, the system not only repaired your flesh, it also kept it in shape. You were externally manipulated and stimulated to keep your tissues from deteriorating due to the lack of movement. In a sense, your body was trained and augmented to not break down.

That being said, now that you are awake, you should probably be experiencing certain side effects. Your memory should return very shortly, you just need to find a good trigger. Additionally, you might experience high energy, enhanced vitality and strength, a type of post treatment high... control of motor functions may get a little while to adjust. Taste and smell may also be a little out of order... but that should be it. Still, I would advise you to stay put and contact me as soon as you wake up.

Sincerely,

Your Doctor, Heaven Canceller.

Touma nodded slowly and folded the letter. He looked outside.

His memories were slowly returning to him, and while he did not have full clarity, he could have sworn that leaves were turning red when all of that mayhem happened. But now...

The cherry trees... new school year will start soon.

He... he was a student, wasn't he?

Was he really out for that long?

Touma would probably return to bed, just like instructed, but something outside caught his attention.

In the park visible from the window, the biggest park in district 7, there was an unusually big gathering of people. As in, there were more people visible in the park than the actual greenery.

So, against his better judgement, still in his hospital clothes, Touma went to investigate the gathering unlike any he ever saw.

He quickly realized that he was, indeed, unlucky, when after stepping out of the room, he slipped on wet floor and landed on the cleaning cart. Said cart started to accelerate across the corridor, and then launched him onto the staircase.

He fell. And fell. And fell some more, somehow managing to not lose momentum for a ridiculously long time.

The existence was pain, such was the conclusion Touma arrived to while groaning at the bottom of the staircase. And the reason he didn't perish before, was the fact that staying alive was much more painful than being dead, and thus, more bothersome and misfortunate.

He slowly walked out of the hospital. He was surprised that no one stopped him, but the nurses seemed to be preoccupied with the broadcast on television. Few of them even appeared to be sobbing.

Touma was even more perplexed when he noticed that the transmission showcased the park.

Now he really needed to go there. He couldn't hear what was going on the TV, but nevertheless, something inside urged him to go forth.

And so, he managed to get out of the hospital. He walked and walked and walked, his eyes reflecting the sky and world around him.

"Ah ha ha haha..."

He was alive... alive. He felt a rather unnatural strength welling inside him. He was sure that he could lift something incredibly heavy right now. He felt like laughing too. Was that the mania-like high that doctor... Heaven Canceller... was talking about?

He grabbed a street sign and yelped when his grasp actually bent metal a little.

"What kind of side effects are those? I really hope they pass, this strength is freaky!"

Finally, he arrived at the edge of the park. Stepping between the trees, unnoticed, he tried to peer over the crowd in the distance, but it was no use.

Looking around, Touma got the idea. He attempted to climb the tree, but for some reason, his body jumped backwards instead of forward, onto the trunk.

"Okay... this inverted mobility thing really is annoying..."

He looked at the crowd in front of him. No one noticed him yet. Everyone appeared to be hyper focused on something in front of them.

The misfortunate boy wondered if he should make his presence known, but something in his gut told him that it was better to first learn what everyone was focusing on.

He finally got onto the tree trunk. Once there, the climb was relatively easy. There, on top of the tree, hidden amongst the leaf-covered branches, Touma finally got a good luck on what was going on in the park.

And his jaw dropped. For at least two reasons. He didn't notice them simultaneously, but rather one by one.

Firstly, the crowd was enormous. He never saw that many people in one place. There were so, so many of them, filling the paths, meadows, over the benches, on the playgrounds, even on some trees (fortunately, not ones close to him).

The numbers easily measured few hundreds, and was from what he could actually see. He saw many different school uniforms, beige, indigo, and more, but the clothes also extended to garments of various sizes, revealing or not, old and new, traditional and exotic. Has saw incredibly variety in hair colours and styles, as well as skin tones, heights, body types, and so on.

It was not a crowd. It would be more appropriate to say that it was a sea of people. Specifically, a sea of girls.

Despite the fact that there were guys here and there in the gathering, still in sizeable number regarding the size of human mass below Touma, there was no denying that the overwhelming majority was of female gender. The ratio was clearly screwed beyond belief.

He saw that the girls were talking with each other, as if reminiscing. Some were crying, some hugging, some looked downstruck. He noticed few that seemed familiar... ethereal and dignified girl with branched ponytail, adorned with flower wreath on her head, hugging the bobcut girl showcasing her toned belly in silence. Both seemed to have the sclera of their eyes bloodshot from crying.

There were three girls together. One of them, with raven hair and fringed brow, wiped her face with handkerchief, before putting her hands on the girls by their sides. The one with fluffy brown hair was openly weeping, and her companion was trying not to, but instead, her body was shaking from emotions like a leaf.

There was a black haired girl with prominent chest and forehead, in fashionable uniform standing together with another girl, maybe her sister, who was dressed in yellow and black suit. The eyes of older girl were distant. She looked like a beautiful, yet wilting flower. As if she froze herself and emotions solid to not break apart.

A girl with frayed purplish bobcut conversed in a seemingly broken and monotone way to a black haired girl with bluish-green eyes. Each of them, were accompanied by a tall girl, who looked like a samurai, and a smaller girl wearing a flower headband. Just like the girl with an exposed navel and sad eyes, the samurai girl appeared especially keen on trying not to break down. She blew her nose, but tears kept welling in her eyes.

There was also a girl with tea coloured hair, which others left alone, creating an opening in the crowd. No one wanted to be near her, as she appeared as tense and furious as a pressured spring, ready to lash out at any moment.

Touma also spotted a group of four girls: with silver, blond, brown, and black hair. For some reason, the black haired one seemed completely unresponsive, which bothered him, as if it was a completely wrong thing to look at, as if this girl wasn't supposed to look so broken and lifeless.

He noticed more people that seemed to be a little out of place... and yet everyone was here. Touma sensed, subliminally, that many girls gathered here would never be at the same place, at the same time, together in one spot... but there they were.

Why? What could possibly warrant this?

And then, he noticed the second reason for his jaw dropping realization.

In the center of the gathering, there was another group of girls. There was a bit of space given there so he could see them more clearly. The mature looking violet-haired girl with curled drills and high school uniform comforted distraught and shaken girl with puffy hair looking like waves of chocolate, which trembled in her arms, weeping. The other hand of violet haired girl was on the arm of a busty blond with beautiful starry eyes, who kept wobbling as if she wasn't truly there. She also kept stroking a whistle hanging from her chest, as if it was some sort of anchor to the world of living.

Next to her, chestnut haired girl in the same uniform as the starry-eyed one kept her eyes closed and grit her teeth as if trying to deny what she was seeing. However, she didn't seem to be succeeding, as indicated by trembling of clenched fists and lone tears, creating small bursts of light while mixing with sparks emitted from her skin.

Next to them, three blond girls, looking so similar to one another that they had to obviously be sisters. They all wore darker dresses, corresponding with somber mood of the gathered. Each of them displayed different reaction: anger, sadness, and deep grief.

Closest to the center, was a girl wearing white and gold robes of a nun. At the moment, she was receiving flowers and handling them to purple haired girl with umbrella in tow and brown haired girl wearing an elegant dress with few vials strapped to them.

Said girls were moving around, putting the flowers into...

Touma's eyes widened.

There were so many flowers. It seemed that each girl, and occasional guy, contributed to the floral richness of the view in front of him. Each person present, female or male, from here or from abroad, friend or foe, brought a flower.

Each individually would not be impressive in any way whatsoever. Pretty, of course, but not giving off any sort of uniqueness.

But together...

From his viewing point, and due to sheer number of flowers, Touma could clearly see that the flowers were forming one coherent image on the ground.

His own face.

It was surely even more visible from the air. How much effort, how many flowers it took to pull this off.

As the flower giving continued, the nun walked to the set podium and spoke. At first, everyone flinched from microphone static, but then, her voice, loud and clear, became recognizable.

"Welcome to the appreciation of Kamijou Touma. Since it soon will be six months since he fell into a coma..." the nun began with a slightly shaky voice.

Touma almost choked on his own saliva. Six months? As in half a year?

"... we decided to hold a celebration of his achievements and share his importance with this city and beyond. Touma is an incredibly important person for all of us... for one reason or another..."

She passed the microphone to the middle blond sister, who inhaled deeply and carried on

"... we welcome each and every one of you, from distant countries or from just around the corner. We are all here because we miss someone special. Someone who, even if he insisted of being unremarkable, was one of the greatest people we ever encountered..."

The human sea nodded and whispered among itself.

Microphone was passed to a chestnut haired girl.

"... Even if you started your relationship rough, just like me... the Railgun... I think we can all admit a few things..." she paused, as if gathering her thoughts" He is... one of a kind guy. An idiot, for sure. A reckless fool. He's also someone who will help you without any hesitation. This why he will always be someone we should strive to be like... regardless of your past history with him..."

Agreement, in various degrees, erupted from the crowd.

"He wasn't perfect. He wasn't all powerful. He wasn't seeking fame or approval. He was only human" spoke a slender blond girl with an eyepatch. Touma didn't notice her before, as she was hidden from view until he changed his angle" He always... tried his hardest to make a difference. To create world of smiles for everyone. Whether it was through helping a lone girl..."

Wave of ohs and ahs permeated the human sea.

"Or through punching someone right to the face..."

Weak chuckles and cheers were heard.

"... he went forward with his beliefs, trying to make all of us happy."

"T-T-The least we can do is honour his way of life" the puffy chocolate haired girl, even if she seemed to be dazed from crying, choked out" Do not make mistakes and turn away from what happened. Do not waste your life on petty squabbles, when someone you care about more than anything can be gone before you know it!"

Touma thought that one particular girl, the one behind the one who introduced herself as Railgun... the girl with tawny twintails... flinched and trembled especially vibrantly at that remark.

"Share with us!" the youngest of the sisters in the dresses shouted" Share what onii-chan... I mean, Kamijou Touma... is to you"

"Before we will hear a speech from our Chairman, we have time for all of us to share our yearning and memories"

What followed was a stream of people coming to the center to speak

"He is... someone who could be relied on. Even though it seemed he slacked of... deep down, he was the most committed person ever."

"Touma-kun was hope, in the world filled with violence, a true miracle that came of us in the simplest of forms... and yet brought forth such extraordinary gifts. He is... my miracle"

"Only with time, beyond first glamour, I realized how much of an indispensable value he is to me. He stopped being a mere commoner long time ago. No amount of money will be too much to bring darling back..."

"He showed us the way of conduct that was a true way of God... true way of love and compassion... I do not believe Lord is so cruel that it would snuff such brilliant flame so early..."

"I truly wish we spent some more time besides telephone talks. It is true, I took for granted that I could visit him and tell him things I wanted to tell... and now... मैं बहुत सी बातें कहना चाहता हूं...

"If Momma's art could restore his mind as easily as it could restore life itself... it would be done in a heartbeat. I guess Momma underestimated how truly she and her comrades will miss him..."

"I-If you come back, I will l-let you do e-e-every single thing y-you want to do with my body... I-I will grow up to be beautiful... y-y-ou will seeeeeee... s-so please, s-scold me like you used to"

"Lessar, not again, if you start crying, I will start crying too..."

"I waited to meet him for decades, I would do everything to hear his voice one more time... I always felt I had a connection... I dared to wish that he would always be here for me, like nature itself..."

"Truth be told, life can go to hell ever since he is gone. The only thing stopping me from levelling everything around me is that he... most definitely... wouldn't want that..."

"There were a lot of things I wanted to do together with him... even if we were both just level 0s, I actually felt at ease with him... he was someone who you could always have a heart-to heart with..."

"He didn't always understand everything, but when it counted, he provided most valuable of advices, without even realizing it himself..."

Touma listened on and on, his eyes widening in amazement. Each of the stories painted a picture of a hero, someone who would go out of his way to save absolutely everyone. Someone who went through much pain and strife... yet was beloved by so many.

Was that really... him?

That was his life? So turbulent, so misfortunate... so lonely... and yet...

Filled with so much human spirit and heart...

The stories carried on and on, both in smaller and bigger format. Touma noticed someone who looked like a princess, the line of girls that looked identical to chestnut hair girl known as Railgun, a silver haired woman in a wimple, violet hair girl in what looked like a sombre version of a nurse outfit, the bunny maid and brown haired chemist from before, a girl looking as if her body proportions way exceeded her apparent age... many, many followed...

But it was during the speech of a blond haired nun with sizeable chest and gentle face, that something changed.

"Kamijou Touma holds a special place in my life" she spoke, spreading her arms" While we celebrate our bonds, we must not forget that above all else, he is still alive. Thus, I pray in every waking moment for the Lord to allow him to return to those who cherish him"

"Indeed..." the starry eyed girl, who was more contemplative and silent through majority of the speeches, now stood up with renewed vitality" His vital ability is still within him. He is known to overturn expectations... to come back from beyond the edge of logic and death... to save those who themselves deemed their situation ability un-saveable... if we truly do care, we will go beyond our own limitation ability... we will wait as long as it takes..."

The nun in white that began the speech bit her lip before screaming

"TOUMA! COME BACK TO UUUUUS!"

She repeated the call for a couple of times, directing it towards the hospital.

Soon enough, she was joined by more and more people.

Shouts 'Touma', or 'Kamijou', combined with 'come back', repeated over and over, filled the air like a chant on the stadium.

Kamijou Touma felt his head ringing for more than one reason.

'You just need to find the right trigger' he remembered Heaven Canceller's letter.

In painful flashes, memories started to gain coherence.

He kept looking at the nun who started the shouting.

"In... Index" he finally whispered, tears welling in his eyes.

That's right. Her name was Index.

Someone... so precious to him. Someone who he was supposed to care for.

He was supposed to protect her.

And he left her alone.

Not only her... he left all of them...

He had to come back to them... even if he was scared of what his life could involve...

There were more important things to him than himself... he would not forget himself... because within him, all connections, all the beauty crafted through suffering laid waiting...

With another painful flash, he remembered a different name.

"Misaki..."

He broke promise to her too. He promised he would not forget her again, after she waited for so long.

"Mikoto..."

She was probably furious at him for getting himself into coma... well, it was not unwarranted...

"Ayu..."

She had to be devastated. How could he leave her be after promising to stay by her side?

"Amazora... Kaibi... Rikuri..."

They were his family, someone who filled his days with laughter, craziness, and excitement for what came next. Strange but devoted trio who changed so much with him and was there for him through and through.

"Hasako..."

Such a delicate and fragile girl sure took it hard. She said it herself, she waited for him, her soulmate through decades of her criostasis, and he left...

"Hoshimi..."

He would never guessed that she would become so passionate about their bond. Truth be told, he also underestimated how much he would miss her, her jokes and quirks, their little times together with Hasako...

"Shizuri..."

She was probably taking it in the most... volatile manner. And yet, while he realized that, his first instinct was to comfort her... fight her into submission if necessary, but most importantly, to console her. Meltdowner was much more fragile than most people ever realized.

Fukiyose... Rin...Mitsuko-san... Kinuho-san... Maaya-san... Kanzaki... Itsuwa... Birdway... Lessar... Floris... Bayloupe... Lancis...Youen... Yakumaru... Naru... Helcalia...

Something akin to lightning flashed repeatedly, as memories kept coming and coming... faster, and faster, and faster...

In his daze, Touma leaned forward a little too much, putting pressure onto his support.

The branch cracked and then snapped.

And just when another shout from the human sea below, he fell down, hitting his body over and over, second time on that day, before smashing into the ground. With one final hit on the head, his memories returned with full force, settling in completely

"Such misfortune!" he hollered in pain and anger, clutching his head." Do this world wants to give me even more brain damage just after-"

He paused and then noticed that, as if they were one huge organism, hundreds of heads moved in unison in his direction.

"No" Misaka Mikoto opened her lips, electricity scattering like a birthday sparkler from her bangs" It can't be..."

"D-Do not... give me hope..." Misaki said with a voice filled with such a pained longing that Touma felt his stomach twist. "M-My... my prince?"

"M-Maybe he is a ghost..." suggested a voice from the crowd.

"I don't think so" came the response of Hokaze Junko, who actually had the expertise in this area" Touma-senpai is bleeding so he is not a ghost"

"Hallucination made out of grief?"

"Had to be a really potent one if we all happen to see it at once"

"So...

"Does this mean..."

Everyone inhaled deeply.

Touma smiled awkwardly, blood flowing from one side of his head.

"Hi" he waved at the enormous gathering.

And finally, Mugino, who had particular talent with getting straight into the point in situations like this, shouted, pointing forward.

"Are you retarded? It's obvious he is standing right the fuck there! In the flesh!"

The hundreds of eyes slowly shifted from uncertainty to disbelief, and then to...

Longing and...

Something else. There was definitely something else there. Much more... vibrant, let's say.

Touma didn't even know what. He didn't see such intense emotions in humans eyes before, and he was in plenty of fights.

So he did what any reasonable human being would do when put under the crushing pressure of hundreds of gazes.

He turned around and fled as fast as his legs could carry him.

Maybe this wasn't the best move, but his intuition told him that something crazy was about to occur.

He didn't have to wait long to find out that he was not mistaken.

"WAAAAAAAAIT!"

In an instant, human sea became a human flood, as hundreds of women went after him.

(MEANWHILE)

Few kilometers away, another scene was playing out.

Although Kamijou Touma managed to gather a lot of people on the reminiscing ceremony, not everyone in the City met him before and thus wasn't in attendance.

For example, two ojou-samas currently sitting in the front of the prestigious tea shop never in their lives met the misfortunate boy.

One of them, who was currently pouring the tea into the elegant, ornamental cup, had long brown hair and crystal blue eyes, which together formed an exotic an alluring look. Said allure came not only from the charming features, but also bright, friendly smile, combined with elegant handbang, cream white shirt with small blue sapphire accessory matching her eyes, and brown mini-skirt, which in turn matched her hair. Lastly, she wore black stockings and elegant brown shoes.

Once a prodigious Tokiwadai student, incredibly gifted in both charm and intelligence, wielding a powerful and versatile hydrogen-controlling ability, this girl's name was Hasekura Reiri.

"The secret of presentation is to notice how the hue achieved from the particular mixture of tea leaves compliments the colour of the cup and how it adds to the composition" Hasekura spoke to her companion.

The other girl had light-coloured hair, falling on the sides of her face, and being tied up in a ponytail on the back of her head. Above the freckled cheeks shone the resolute and stern eyes of blue hue. She wore blue shirt from elastic material under elegant beige cardigan, and sported an indigo mini-skirt.

Just like Hasekura, she was a Tokiwadai alumni, popular and sought after by her peers due to the ability of lipid manipulation. Her name was Mikagami Nagisa.

"Well..." Mikagami replied, taking a gentle sip of the beverage" Leave it to the daughter of tea ceremony masters to make a perfect tea, I suppose"

"Thank you" Hasekura said, sitting opposite of Mikagami" I am glad it is to your liking"

To add a bit of context, those two young women were not only Tokiwadai students, but also leaders of cliques, not unlike the one Shokuhou Misaki was leading in the present day. Both, alongside other students named Sha Danshan, were acclaimed leaders and Big Three, the heads of three biggest factions in Tokiwadai.

There was once a conflict between those factions, due to attacks on one of Mikagami's clique-mates. But due to Hasekura's investigation and revelation of third party's involvement, the accusations turned out to be false. That adventure was a story of its own and now was not the time nor place to fully relieve it.

After both of them graduated from Tokiwadai, Mikagami and Hasekura's paths split, with first pursuing Nagatenjouki High School Division, and second opting for Academy City's Art College. Nevertheless, from time to time, they happened to encounter each other during shopping or meal.

Bygones and clique divisions were things of the past, so two of them took time to eat or drink tea, simply reminiscing of the older days or, alternatively, talking about the future.

"It is a pleasant surprise" Hasekura looked around, taking the scenic view of the street around them" That we can drink tea with each other? I really like that"

"Well, you do make excellent tea." Mikagami's lips curved slightly into a smile" And even with our cliques being rivals in the past, on a human level, I never hated you. Well, I never wanted my clique to get into any rivalry in the first place..."

"Well" Hasekura giggled" Sorry for being put against a 'carnviourous' one, who devoured the unsuspected"

After a moment of peaceful tea drinking, Hasekura pointed at the street.

"It is a bit empty, don't you think? The street and surrounding area"

"Now that you mention it, it is indeed" Mikagami agreed" Although, truth be told, I am not the one to mind peace and quiet lack of people provides"

"I kind of get what you mean. As much as I love my former clique, with us staying in touch and all, it is refreshing to be just... ourselves."

"Not that this is a very viable option, with you being a center of attention wherever you go."

"Like you are one to talk."

"You are sought after due to your charm and mind. No one asks you to alter them every second. I was quite envious to be honest"

"Oh, you are exaggerating. I know for a fact that people loved you not only because of your esper ability. Even when you reasonably set up some boundaries, you were still very magnanimous to your clique"

Another moment of silence, before the freckled esper asked

"So how is life going for you?"

"Excellent!" Hasekura clapped her hands and started to count down deep in thought" my grades are maintained on a very good level, I made several trips overseas, I had few ideas how to extend my ability even more, participated in group projects-"

"Wait up... I don't want to be intrusive, yet what I meant was..." Mikagami hesitated for a moment" romantic... developments"

Only years of practice in elegant tea drinking caused Hasekura to not spill the contents of the cup she held in the air.

She coughed softly before scratching her cheeks.

"W-Why do you ask?" she asked, with a tinge of coyness.

"Simple curiosity and... disbelief, I suppose. I would assume that you would find yourself a gentleman by now" noticing Hasekura's pouting face, Mikagami quickly asserted" I don't mean that as nagging... it's simply that I would assume that you would be in a relationship. You do have a cute face, you are a prodigy, and you are... quirky."

"Thank you. I hope I do appear rather lively." Hasekura mused, twirling a lock of her brown hair." You are partially right. Those qualities did attract people... I had offers for courtship before... but..."

"But..."

Mmmm..." the hydrogen manipulator shook her head vigorously" All of them are some rich, snobbish, and pompous boys who were really... bland, to be honest. All they care about is business and research."

"And that's wrong?"

"Well, I love science too... but real life is happening not only around data, inheritances, or noble setting... I crave something to stimulate my mind in different ways. A mystery, something with everyday charm. Someone who would make me laugh in addition to being considerate. I can be smart for both of us if needed. And while vanity was never my goal..."

Hasekura's cheeks reddened ever so slightly.

"Being complimented is not the bad thing at all"

"So, are there no such people around you?"

"Like I said, they are either not compatible with my interests, or they are shy to approach me because I am a powerful esper. But I am more than that! I just wish someone would appear and notice that... what about you, Mikagami-san?"

The stern gaze grew slightly distant.

"Same as it was. I... am not interested, at the moment"

Hasekura sensed that her companion was hiding something, and there was definitely more to it than was said out loud, yet she decided not to press Mikagami into telling her about it, even if the lipid manipulator was the one who originally brought the subject around.

"You have to reject them eventually, you know. I got to know you well enough during our clique days and I know that you will struggle to do so"

"Mmmmmm..."

"You are so proactive in many areas, how is this any different? Or do you want to tell me you are waiting for a prince charming to just appear out of the blue? Life isn't a fairy tale."

"W-Well, it doesn't hurt to be a little romantic" Hasekura mumbled" But you are right. It's not like someone will just appear for no reason and sweep me off my feet"

In that moment, the spoon near the cup began to lightly vibrate, making a rattling sound. Few seconds later, the remnants of the tea began to ripple as well.

"Hmm? Earthquake?"

"How strange... one would think there should be an alert sent on our phones." Mikagami replied in bewilderment.

The tremors started to grow stronger, and there was a strange ruckus originating from the outside.

Both ladies looked at each other and nodded, before heading outside.

They were not ready on the sight they saw when they ran to the middle of the road.

"What in the world..." Hasekura rubbed her eyes, but the sight in front of her remained.

Over them, a boy with black hair and hospital gown was running on incredible speed, seemingly putting all the effort in maintaining his velocity.

That in itself was bizarre enough but it was what was behind the boy that made the sight absolutely surreal.

He was chased by so many girls that it resembled avalanche of human bodies, just enough for them to move, but spreading across the entire street. And it was actually entire street. The girls were in the air, on walls, on the ground... Hasekura even saw few of them tunel through the concrete.

They all seemed to be fixated on the running boy, either trying to catch up to him or disrupt the attempts of other girls desiring to do so. It became obvious that they were the source of the 'earthquake' through their sheer number.

Among the silhouttes, there was a lot of familiar beige and red uniforms.

"Aren't those-"

"Yes. Our kouhais. What in heaven and earth..."

The sight shocked two Tokiwadai alumni so much that at first they didn't hear that the boy was calling out to them.

Yet finally, they heard his cries.

"They are not going to stop! RUN!"

However, the shock made their reactions slower.

Slow enough for the boy to reach them.

"Come on!"

In one moment, Hasekura was standing straight. In the next, she was swept off her feet, with an arm securing her legs as she found herself dangling over the boy's arm like a potato sack.

He used one of his arms to secure her, while utilizing the other to grasp Mikagami's hand. He ran forth with both of them, in a matter of seconds.

"Wha..." normally outspoken Hasekura found herself speechless" What is going on?"

(SOME TIME EARLIER)

Kamijou Touma never run that fast before. He suspected that he had the side effects of his comatose treatment to thank for that.

Then again, he did not exactly have the advantage.

Few girls were exceptionally fast, including Junko and Mei. But no one came close to Kanzaki Kaori, who blitzed through the crowd like a human bullet, grabbed him, and jumped dozens of meters into the air, gaining distance.

In the air, he saw various attempts to reach him. He noticed Lessar hoping over the cars, Mikoto magnetizing and launching herself off the buildings, Misaki being carried by six of her mind controlled clique girls. One of them, named Ki if he remembered correctly, crafted a couple of solid-nitrogen platforms, so her Queen could continue vertical pursuit.

Curiously, he knew for a fact that the majority of the girls were not excellent athletes. And yet there they were, managing to keep going through willpower and determination to do... what exactly?

"Kanzaki, what is going on? Why everybody went crazy?"

The Saint looked at him with a flushed face.

"W-Well, while you were out of it, many of us... people acquainted with you... reevaluated their priorities."

"Re...evaluated?"

"It is so easy to assume that one can always be truthful about such things... that there will be time... but without you, I realized the foolishness of thinking in such a way. That's why I need to tell you something I should have told a long time ago..."

"K-Kanzaki-san?"

The Saint bent her legs, tensing the muscles and seemingly focusing, before using her immense strength to do a vertical jump.

Touma never saw anyone jump that high. They soared way above the buildings, so high that they could see panoramic view of the city.

It soon became clear way Kanzaki opted to be out of sight and earshot, even if only for a moment.

She spoke to him, her voice clear despite the wind howling around them.

"For a while now, it was not about being indebted to you in any form or way. I came to respect you for extending salvation to others, admire you for your deeds, want to share my strength and... a-anything else you may desire... w-with you. So, in my fortune and your misfortune... I just wish to say... I love you, Kamijou Touma, I did for a long time"

"Ka...Kanza..."

Red-faced Touma could only look at Kanzaki in shock and awe, as the trembling Saint (it was easy to forget how coy she was in matters of intimate nature) slowly closed the distance between them, exactly in the moment when they started to descend.

Touma had no choice but to give in. Not that he minded it whatsoever, to be honest.

They were interrupted last time. Now, as they fell down in a pose that would not be out of place in superhero story (with Touma in the place of the rescued damsel) they could finally finish what they were attempting.

The kiss was shy at the beginning, but quickly melted into a tender, sweet sensation, with Kanzaki pressing her lips stronger onto Touma's, their eyes closing and only indistinct mumbles escaping into the air.

They both liked it. Perhaps a little too much, because neither of them noticed how close the ground was.

Kanzaki hit the concrete so hard that she broke through it, her grasp on Touma loosening.

Touma had a lot going on in his head and body, mixture of shock, uncertainty, happiness, and good dose of hormonal reactions of boy his age. Kanzaki did not look better, her face red and uncharacteristically meek.

Yet Touma was forced to snap back to reality faster than he expected. He was still chased after all.

"COME BACK HERE!"

Mugino Shizuri, using her ability as a propulsion, flew above buried Kanzaki, with a feral smile and green aura from the spheres around her

Touma sprinted away, with Meltdowner tailing him, having no choice but to abandon Kanzaki. He was sure she could take care of herself, and that they will talk about their feelings later on.

But Kanzaki Kaori was far from being the only person with their feelings involved in this situation.

Mugino's hand clasped on his shoulder, and her literal steel grip forcibly slowed him down, though both of them still remained in motion

"Why are you running?" Meltdowner growled to him.

"Why is everyone chasing me?"

"I don't know for anyone else, but I had a lot of time being pissed and alone thanks to you being a hero once again... I thought we had a deal!"

"Whatever you wish to do, it will not be what you actually want when you are that angry"

"Being angry is my natural response to anything that is hard for me, dumbass. Do you think I would be crying if I just wanted to beat the shit out of you?"

Touma quickly turned his face around and to his shock, the girl's face, while furious and snarling, also had tears flowing down on the cheeks.

"So now that you are here, you are going to come with me and do what I damn tell you to do, or else-"

"SHIZURI! CALM DOWN AND LISTEN!"

Mugino found her voice die in her throat, and her face relaxed a little, even if intense emotions were still bubbling under the surface.

As crude as it was, Touma knew that when Mugino got as angry as she was now, the only way to get her to listen was to be on the same wavelength, to yell louder and be even more fierce. The shock from someone opposing Meltdowner was just that great. It would yield opposite effect when Mugino was calm, but it worked wonders when she was agitated.

"I know you were hurt. I am sorry for that but I had no other choice. Is not like I wanted-"

"Do you know how stupid I felt after you were gone? I could not do anything! I hate being helpless, I do not know a damn thing about being helpless in the first place! I couldn't do shit to help, I could just sit and hope for things to get better. I don't do hoping. I take action in my own hands, but nothing I could do would be able to bring you back."

Still running and trying to match Touma or make him stop, Mugino, for the first time in a really long while, was trying her best to not cry like much more vulnerable person she kept wrapped under the layers of blood and darkness.

"If you had the guts, the audacity, to reach out to me and try to save me... you have to take responsibility for the fact that I feel-"

In that moment, several girls appeared from behind, jumping all over her. Each of the girls had stars in her eyes. Mugino yelled out in fury, mainly due to having her moment interrupted, as she tried to shake off the attackers, which were obstructive and bothersome due to their sheer quantity.

"MENTAL OUT! I will roast you for this!"

At the same time, lightning-fast silhouette dropped down from the sky, attempting to snatch the boy...

But Misaka Mikoto was surprised, realizing that Touma was no longer there.

"Where... where did he go?"

At the same time, Touma was breathing heavily in the back alley.

In the commotion all female level 5s caused, someone grabbed him in the clouds of dust and pulled him back.

It seemed like the strand of surprises was not to end any time soon.

Close to him was heavily panting and red Himegami Aisa.

They listened as the avalanche of girls passed them by.

"Himegami... what are you doing here?"

"Same thing as everybody else." she patted his head and blushed" Everyone... despite the differences and motivations, realized that whatever they feel, should be spoken out... because the regrets that would plague you otherwise would drive you crazy..."

Touma was beginning to understand. His half year of absence intensified preexisting feelings and right now, motivated even the shier people to start confessing to him.

One could ask a reasonable question: If he already died before, why didn't this phenomenon occur after he died as a result of his confrontation with Alice?

The answer was simple. Even if he came back that time, people were sure that he was to stay dead, they said their goodbyes. Here, they still had hopes for him to come back. This hope and longing, which were fanning the embers of hidden feelings in many girls and turning them into big flames, struck harder than he could ever anticipate.

"Himegami..." he asked again" How did you manage to even snatch me like this?"

The miko girl chuckled bitterly.

"That's one advantage of being unnoticeable... other girls didn't even perceive me as a rival... as a threat... heh... heheheh..."

"Don't say it if it will make you so depressed!"

"But thanks to that" Himegami spoke in quiet tone" I could try to wait for a good moment and find it in myself to tell you that... in those months you were gone, I realized that it doesn't matter if the world is to not notice me... all that matters is that you do. And even if you are away or focused on other matters, I will support you and make sure that even as someone doomed to a background, I will be great canvas for your life. I wish to share life with you in some form... because it's the life you gave back to me and now I want to give it back to you, even if only a little... I convinced myself that I should step aside because Seiri started to have feelings for you, I tried to reason with myself and convince myself that I was not the best choice... but the truth is that I was in love with you ever since you risked so much to bring me back..."

Touma's mind was dazed and he never thought he would receive two confessions in such a short amount of time.

Well, the trauma caused by his coma really emboldened everyone to go through with their beliefs and feelings.

"D-D-Don't have me for this..."

Himegami's kiss was ethereal and subtle, like a quickly evaporating dew on blade of grass. Delicate and fleeting, it ended quicker than expected, but it was due to this sublime nature that it played over and over, as if the brain tried to keep every sensation associated with it, amplify it before it faded... and maybe have another one to refresh the memory.

With Kanzaki, Touma didn't have a way to do anything else. With Himegami, he was in too much of a shock to react. It was rather un-Himegami thing to do... but in some way, he was touched that despite her irrelevance complex, her feelings for him were so strong that she pushed her shyness aside.

Well, besides the fact that she now looked like she was a step away from passing out. Well, not that Touma blamed her. He didn't know how much more of this his own heart could take.

"Go... I bet others will find you soon" she finally managed to say." I think many of the girls got a little bit too crazy from the shock of you returning. It might not end up well"

"But..." Once again, coherent thought were hard for Touma" I can't leave you here-"

"I will be fine. Even if others would come by here, they will not notice me. But that's fine... I already turned my invisibility into a blessing... this is the upper hand I will always have"

With a gentle push, Touma was sent away.

Himegami's predicition turned out to be absolutely true, because only after minute or two, the girls found him once again

"THERE HE IS!"

He should have figured it out. Even if it wasn't Konori, there was no way someone didn't have the ability to locate him through obstacles, since he wasn't that far away.

Running downwards, he looked back.

The number of his pursuers diminished, but either way, it was still quite a sizeable quantity, enough to make earth shake.

It was then that he saw two girls standing in the middle of the street, looking at the chase with astonishment.

Knowing that anyone standing idly through this avalanche of overenthusiastic teenage girls would most likely be stampeded to death, Touma shouted:

"They are not going to stop! RUN!"

And when the girls failed to move, he secured one of them over his arm, and took the other by the hand.

Yet additional weight slowed him considerably and he knew he would tire out sooner rather than later.

The problem was that while earlier the girls seemed to just very keen to catch him, the fact that Touma actively grabbed hand of the freckled girl, and the butt of her brown haired friend was bouncing up and down on his arm due to his running, apparently rose the temperature among his pursuers.

"Wha... What is going on?" he heard brown haired girl ask in confusion

"Long story. We just have to lose them for now"

But then, something occurred.

The asphalt exploded and the street changed in just a couple of moments.

With a bellowing roar, the tall, bushy grass spread out and grew, until entire pathway turned into unrecognizable wilderness.

The squeals followed as the girls lost orientation and crashed into one another.

"What happened?"

"Ow? Where is the way out?"

"Help, I got tangled in the grass!"

"Why is there suddenly a savannah in the middle of the city?"

'Hasako... you are a true angel among women' Touma sighed with relief.

As a matter of fact, Hasako realized some time earlier that what was happening could only end badly given how agitated the girls were. But being not especially athletic, she needed Maidono's help to come closer in order to successfully implement her environment change.

"Well, we have some opinions to convey" Maidono shook her head" But that's just not alright. He just woke up"

She bent her arm and jabbed it into the air with a loud 'YAAAAH'

The pressure propagated, denting and twisting nearby cars, blowing number of people away, and creating a faultline that spread across the street, and onto the nearby buildings. It further stopped some of the pursuers.

"Tch, too strong. If I overdo it, I will split this section of the district in half. Or worse, bury those girls with my tremors. I shouldn't use my ability when I am angry, and I am pretty pissed at this whole chase"

It was not an exaggeration. With training, Maidono's destructive capability made her a one woman army and cautioned her to be especially careful with non-harmful interventions. With power ranging from lifting objects to harnessing tectonic forces and creating tsunamis, one could never be too careful.

So as much as she wanted to vent her feelings, Maidono needed to leave matters in the hands of her creative counterpart.

"I am glad you agree" Hasako managed to say, short of breath" I assume it is a little bit of a hypocrisy, since we both confessed already, but... he shouldn't feel like a he is a hunted prey"

Meanwhile, Touma still didn't want to stop, running further and further away. While savannah stopped majority of the pursuers, the forefront still carried on.

"Do you need to lose them?" he heard the girl from his back" I got that impression"

"Yeah, that would help a lot "Touma nodded fervently.

The girl held up her hand and the air swirled around her. It precipitated soon aferwards. Droplets forming bigger and bigger mass of water.

With a quick gesture, the veil of water spread out and changed state, evaporating into a natural smokscreen of steam.

To top it off, the girl gathered even more water and with one quick motion, froze the water into the wall of ice, barricading the street.

'Crap... is that girl actually super strong?' Touma gaped at the display of power.

"Is that helpful?"

"Yeah, very!"

They made a few turns, into more and more remote alleys, until he heard the freckled girl shout

"Alright, that's enough! Stop and tell us what exactly is going on!"

"Can we first get to some better place-"

"I said stop!"

"Ehm... t-this position is a bit embarrassing, can you put me down?"

"O-Oh, right, of course!" he quickly replied, carefully putting the brown haired girl to the ground.

Then, the hand in Touma's grasp suddenly felt bigger, pushing his fingers apart.

Not to mention that he felt as if he was pulling something heavy... really heavy.

He looked around and almost screamed when he realized the freckled girl visibly expanded to much greater size, looking crossly at him.

"WOAH! Why did the sumo wrestler with a face of high school girl appear?!"

"Be silent!"

The girl bounced up, ready to crush him under her massive weight.

And yet, the boy only extended his right hand upwards.

SHATTER! WOMP!

As soon as the right sunk in the layer of fat, the sound shattering glass was heard, and with another onomatopeia resembling something being sucked away, Makigami Nagisa suddenly lost the mighty mass.

"Ah?!" she cried out, in a distraught tone, before landing in Touma's arms. She stared at him incredulously, as looked back at her, his right hand still on her body.

'I... I can't alter my fat content! What did he do?'

"Hey, I know I messed up, but if I didn't put your friend away, you could have hurt her" Touma chided Mikagami, raising his fist above her.

The girl, unable to use her ability, whimpered and closed her eyes.

Touma smirked. For some reason, this filled him with a sense of deja vu.

He flicked Mikagami on her exposed forehead.

"Ow!"

As the ojou-sama winced and massaged the skin of her brow, Touma put her down as well.

"Now now, Mikagami-san" the brown haired girl, who also seemed bewildered by what she just witnessed, finally added" I don't believe this is a proper way of interacting with new person. Although I would also love to hear the reason for such abrupt turn of events...

The girl coughed lightly, dusted herself off, and carried on:

"My name is Hasekura Reiri, and this is Mikagami Nagisa... And you are?"

"Right, my name is Kamijou Touma, nice to meet you. I am sorry for just grabbing you out of the blue like that. I swear I can explain this"

(20 MINUTES LATER)

They moved to the District 9 Park, near Mikagami's high school. Touma relaxed when they got there. The park looked peaceful and because he rarely visited it, he hoped that people won't suspect him to be there, until emotions die down.

He and two high school ladies, who appeared to be the same age as him, sat on the bench near the small plaza filled with sculptures and modern art crafted with the usage of cutting-edge technology.

It took a while for him to explain everything, omitting certain details to not overcomplicate things. Yet he knew that for the abrupt nature of this encounter, the least he could do was to be sincere with those girls.

"So..." the girl with a pretty smile and brown hair, Hasekura, made a contemplative face" You've been in a coma for a long time due to you trying to help someone... and once you woke up, all of those girls wanted to have some alone time with you?"

"Are you a playboy or something? A heroic playboy, I assume?"

"I am neither!" Touma protested" Honestly, I didn't ask for it. I am not going to complain about it, since my life is unlucky as it is, but it's not like I wanted to force them to like me or be some kind of grand harem conqueror."

"You know, Mikagami-san" Hasekura spoke up after a moment" I think I believe him. He did want us to be safe. And when you got irritated and wanted to attack him, his concern was about mine safety first. Perhaps... he really did help others in the way that they are genuinely grateful"

Mikagami looked at Touma, up to down, before addressing him

"It is quite odd to see that your only motivation is saving others without desire for reward... but I suppose this city showed us much stranger things. If this is Hasekura's assessment, I am giving it benefit of doubt. After all, she always relied on her famed intuition and it got her quite far. I must apologize for my behaviour, my ignorance made me act out of line and jump into assumptions. I just thought that you had a lot nerve..."

"You wouldn't be the first one to tell me that"

"Apparently, you gathered the interest of many of our younger schoolmates" Hasekura commented" Let me tell you, to unite many different ladies of Tokiwadai in anything is a feat in itself"

"Wait... you were students of Tokiwadai?"

"Indeed. We were clique leaders during our time as students"

"So you are Misaki's and Mikoto's seniors... that's an interesting perspective to consider" Touma nodded to himself.

"It's so strange to hear someone addressing Railgun and Mental Out so casually... their esper abilities are very formidable"

Touma shrugged

"We had some adventures side by side. Ability or no ability, is it all that important, honestly? It doesn't make them good or evil, the usage of their abilities becomes good or evil through the way of utilization of the power, right?"

The longer Hasekura listened to this peculiar boy, the more she felt giddy in her stomach and interested in what will he tell next. Even if he was strange, aura of refreshing straightforwardness more than made it up for it.

"Speaking of esper abilities..." she asked Touma while pointing at Mikagami" if you don't mind, what happened when Mikagami-san wanted to subdue you?"

"Oh... I figure out that her turning into massive fat baloon had to be an esper ability..."

Hasekura made an effort not to chuckle, since Mikagami looked like she was considering to slam a very heavy foot onto Touma's fingers.

"Alright? And?"

"Well, I have an ability called Imagine Breaker, which allows me to negate any ability and phenomenon of supernatural origin"

"What?!"

The same word, but tinged with highly different tones, escaped two girls. Hasekura's eyes lit up in curious interest, as she looked at boy's right hand with interest. Mikagami was, however, much more sceptical.

"That's... absurd. If there was such an ability, we would have heard about it, it would surely be a grand matter on the scale of the curriculum!"

"There was a rumour about it though. An urban legend, if I recall" Hasekura countered." In many such tales there is a seed of truth"

"While I am not really hiding this ability, I am not going around, bragging about it either. Mostly because in majority I am given reactions like that" Touma gestured towards Mikagami" and because I don't think it really is that much of a big deal... despite my life wanting to prove me wrong, apparently"

"Not a big thing?" Mikagami sighed" I think it's true, you really are just that straightforward and sincere, but out of context, talking about casually being able to negate the abilities of two fromer members of Tokiwadai's Big Three... it would be a very bold statement"

"Big Three?" Touma tilted his head." What's that?"

"Myself, Mikagami-san, and one other student, Sha Danshan, were called such. We were leading the most influential cliques at the time, while also competing for the status of Majesty"

"clap... ... clap ... ... clap ... ... clap..."

"Don't clap so half-heartedly, you obviously didn't understand it at all!"

Mikagami sighed at Touma and the antics of pouting Hasekura.

"O-okay you caught me, what is a Majesty? I know Misaki calls herself a Queen, is it something like that? Did previous generation of students had bigger egoes and wanted more extravagant titles?"

A small noise escaped from Mikagami's throat.

Hasekura raised an eyebrow at her friend, who retained her stoic face... barely.

'I-I did not just laugh! I swear I didn't. Contain yourself, Nagisa'

Inwardly, she liked the joke more than she wanted to admit, imagining that before them someone actually had a head big enough to want to call herself Empress or something of the sort. But still, she wanted to remain collected. Mostly from the fact that she had not much of an experience while conversing with gentlemen.

"No, it's not the same. I think we need to establish some common ground... it is not your fault that you don't know the intricacies of Tokiwadai..."

So, the girls told Touma about clique dynamics, their rivalry, and adventure regarding the attacks on Mikagami's clique, Montgolfier company, and all that followed.

"Wow... you were really awesome! I wish that I could see it, Hasekura-san!"

"Thank you" Hasekura beamed at him" And please, call me Reiri-san. No need for formality now that we both spoke about each other for a while. Can I call you by your first name too?"

"A-Ah... well..."

"Don't mind her, she just likes to be informal at times. I remember when she pestered Mental Out to be on first name basis"

"I-I didn't pester anyone. If Kamijou-san doesn't want to, I won't mind. I just don't like the stiff atmosphere... I already have a lot of it in my daily life..."

"Alright..." Touma agreed" If you want to... then sure"

She nodded gratefully.

"So, what have you been up to during the time we told you about? From what you told us about your ability, from your apparent motivations, and how you seemingly know a lot of people, not to mention the fact that quite a lot of them are our former schoolmates... it had to be something interesting"

During the time they spoke about... it meant a year before he met Index and Mikoto.

Which was...

"N-Nothing in particular, just a normal middle school life! Preparing to move to the next stage of life and such!"

... fighting a bioengineered dragon, teaming up with three assassins and his senpai to save Mitsuari Ayu, and then confronting the first esper, one of the most powerful ability users in history: Beginning Child, who would later become Kankyougami Hasako.

"Hmm?"

Hasekura rested her head on the palm of her hand, her brown hair slipping down across her face as a result. Her eyes said a vibrant: 'I do not buy this at all'

She was one of the most expressive girls Touma ever met, without being dramatic or exaggerated. It was as if she was mixing one initial smile with many others, creating one that appeared coy, teasing, sarcastic, amused, and more. The contrast of blue eyes and brown hair only added to that effect

"So, Touma-san, if you don't mind... and I'll completely understand if you do... what would you say about a friendly sparring match?"

"What? You want to fight me?"

"I would lie if I said what you told us didn't intrigue me... can you show it to me in action?"

Touma recovered from the earlier chase, and while he didn't expect something like that, he felt that he could humour the girls as a way of paying them back for their abrupt 'abduction'.

Also, something about an ojou-sama asking politely about a duel instead of violently yanking him into one... that was always refreshing.

"Alright. We can have a quick one. So-"

"Mikagami-san, if you may"

"What?" the freckled girl frowned" I didn't say a word about participating in this!"

"Please, can you do it for me. I just wish to observe something. Touma-san, I promise it won't be long"

"Don't promise it if you are not fighting" Mikagami bowed to Touma. Assuming it would be impolite not to respond in kind, he bowed back" I suppose it's alright. Do not assume you need to hold back because I am a girl"

Touma clenched his fist.

"Trust me, I know that"

"Alright, you can begin!"

Mikagami charged forward, incredibly fast, surprising Touma, who was forced to jump back.

He then saw that the girl became incredibly thin, with her arms looking like sticks.

'She can manipulate her fat both ways, huh?'

When she punched him, her arm suddenly inflated to a big blob of fat and he was sent stumbling backwards.

"That... really packs a punch..." he whispered before yelping" Woah!"

He noticed the shadow around him just in time to save himself. The sumo-sized Mikagami almost crushed him like a pancake.

"You are light on your feet and have very good reflexes" she said, voice slightly altered due to the layers of fat around her vocal chords" However, it won't do you any good if you were to just to dodge"

Touma threw a punch, but the big target disappeared, Mikagami's frame becoming skinny again.

"If you really are able to negate my control over lipids by touch, then I simply need to manipulate surface area that can be subjected to your touch, accordingly"

She sprinted forward and past Touma.

The boy was confused on why she did it, and realize it a moment too late.

Yet, he didn't manage to evade when Mikagami, after fattening again, slammed against the tree, rebounded from it and slammed into Touma's back, before reverting to her slim self, and taking a battle stance. The boy bounced forward like a ragdoll and Hasekura winced.

It could not seem like it, but Mikagami's control over oils and lipids was very versatile in combat. It could be used to change mass and force of attacks, boost speed and manoeuvrability, shift the target area of her or enemy, destabilize the attacking foes, make most blunt attacks on her body completely ineffective, and allow the usage of creative rebounding techniques.

For a moment, she had a moment of doubt. Maybe she truly overestimated the interest Kamijou Touma seemed to exude?

But then, Touma slowly stood up. Looked at Mikagami with a smile and motioned in 'come at me' gesture.

Raising an eyebrow, Mikagami charged forward, ready to execute another attack.

Yet this time, while she changed her body structure, Touma suddenly switched his position, and threw a curved and hooked punch, aiming directly where the girl's body moved.

The punch connected, earning the gasp and groan of surprise. However, Mikagami didn't want to give up yet. She jumped forward, ready to ram into Touma with her mass.

But the boy stepped aside, and even jokingly pushed the oil manipulator, which almost fell under her own weight, not expecting such a push.

More astonished than annoyed, she attempted the attack for the third time.

She became skinny again and performed a majestically executed somersault to position herself above Touma's head, where she switched her body alignment and fell down.

Her plan was to make surprise attack by not switching her weight and confuse her opponent by such a drastic change of a traditional attack.

But Touma caught her downward strike in his right hand nonetheless. Clenching it on her fist, before the kinetic energy fully left the motion, he pulled rightward, causing Mikagami to be slammed into the earth, like an inverse pendulum.

"KAH!"

She did not have the possibility to block it with her fat, like she would usually did with this situation. The collision with the ground took her breath away, and before she knew it, Touma sat on her, immobilizing her while still holding her fist in his right hand.

"Good fight?"

Mikagami sighed and nodded

"I yield"

Hasekura politely clapped and cheered from the sidelines. Touma scratched his head.

"Oh..."

"What do you mean by 'oh'?"

"It's just that I wasn't expecting such dignity in defeat-"

"Realistically speaking, I lost. Throwing a tantrum would not do anything in such a situation-"

"Normally it would 'you cheated' or 'it doesn't end till I win' or something"

"What kind of Tokiwadai experience did you have with our kouhais? Who hurt you?"

"That's in the past already."

"Alright then... can you get off me please? This is getting rather heavy?"

Touma smiled.

"You know that this is rather ironic, right?"

"Isn't it?" Hasekura concurred.

"You two just have all the fun, don't you?"

But there was a lightness in the tone Mikagami spoke with.

Hasekura nodded to herself. She had certain theory she wanted to test.

"Can you please face me too?"

"Well, as long as it is only that"

"I promise"

"Then fine, just let me catch my breath"

After a few minutes, Kamijou Touma and Hasekura Reiri stood against one another.

"Here I go!"

The girl pulled out a small tube filled with water, which shot and swirled around her palms. More and more moisture appeared, until 5 spheres of water circled in front of her.

In an instant, streams of liquid with great velocity tore through the air. One of them tore through Touma's robe.

The streams curved and went back to attack him, as Touma jumped frantically away.

"Wow, you really are going all out! I can really be hurt here!"

But Hasekura knew that the boy could more than handle this.

Her earlier suspicions were confirmed, when after she condensed and fired few more streams, the boy sidestepped them, as if in some intricate dance pattern in the arcade simulation.

He still looked rather tense, so maybe he didn't have conscious realization of it. But...

'He does not only rely on this ability of his... Imagine Breaker, was it?' Hasekura thought to herself' He is incredibly adaptive. In battle against Mikagami-san, he knew where to anticipate her moves even when she shifted weight because he instinctively changed position of her center of gravity in anticipation for the change of weight distribution. He had to somehow note that and react accordingly. What I am seeing now proves it. We are only fighting for a couple of moments and he is already avoiding my streams and water bullets... I honestly never saw anything like this. Not on this level. He must be hardened by fighting to have reflexes of this sort.'

Her ability allowed her to, among other things, control all states of water, and thus, it didn't take long for her to extend whips of water, swinging them in two place at once.

Half was dodged. And the others...

'Incredible. So it really is true. Just by touch of his hand, the entire whip reverted into original gaseous form, and I lost control over entire section of hydrogen in that body of water. It turns out this boy really is a lots of fun. Is that what I've been missing for quite some time now?'

"Woah... you really know how to make this a slippery situation..." Touma muttered, dodging another attack, and dispelling the other

Her smiled curved a little. Oh yes, there was nothing like that back in Tokiwadai.

She allowed the water to fall, causing Touma to look around in confusion.

"Eh, that was a little anticlima-"

KRSSSSH!

The grass, meadow, and even trunks of nearby trees suddenly froze over. Mikagami scurried away when the crystals touched her shoes.

Touma gasped when one of his feet froze to the ground, up to his ankles.

"Woah... I never saw any Hydro Hand do that before"

Hasekura smiled. Her little bait was working on more levels than one.

She approached him gracefully, with spheres of water circling around her like electrons orbiting the atomic nucleus.

"It was a very valiant effort. But now that you are immobilized, it should only take-"

Touma interrupted her by inhaling deeply, tensing his muscles, and striking his fist onto the frozen ankle and foot.

"EEEP!" Hasekura for the first time actually lost her cool, waving her hands" D-Don't be ridiculous! You will only hurt yourself... you can't possibly break the-"

Second strike followed.

"...the..."

And third...

There was a crack. Touma tensed even more and like released spring, struck his leg with expert precision. Fourth time, fifth time, sixth time...

And finally...

The ice broke, and the boy laughed, raising slightly bloodied fist, and danced a small victory dance, before slipping and falling to the ground in a comical fashion.

"Wow... that was intense"

This particular skill was of not due to some inner power. It came from the slightly overprotective duo of girls.

(SEVEN MONTHS EARLIER)

"Touma-san, if you want to fight with your own body alone" Hasako raised her finger" Then Hoshimi and I agreed that we can provide you some training exercises for a difficult conditions, such as hostile environments, harsh climate, evading projectiles and surviving collapsing structures. This is for your own good. It would make my heart at least a bit calmer, as much as it can be if I know that you are in peril"

Maidono's training involving throwing various big objects at him while at the same time messing with tilting angle of the ground. Meanwhile, Hasako gave him some tips regarding surviving in extreme conditions.

One of those was about ice.

"If you ever face ice user and they manage to trap you, don't panic. Ice is uniform only in optimal conditions. Look for spots with more encased air bubbles, and strike closely around them, that will weaken the overall uniformity of the ice and, with diligence and precision, shatter it altogether"

(BACK IN THE PRESENT)

Hasekura and Mikagami could not shake off the shock they felt from watching Touma break free from the ice.

"How though is your fist to just shatter ice like the one I made? It's true that it didn't penetrate very deep, but..."

"What can I say, I am definitely not a genius from high class school, but I clearly am good in hitting people and things with my fist"

Trying to find his footing, he started advancing forward.

Hasekura's eyes twinkled even more vividly, as Touma got closer and closer.

"You are one surprise after the other... you are not the only one though"

She pulled out a lighter and created a spark.

Unsuspected Touma was blown away by a concentrated explosion, blue flames scattering around and melting the ice.

"Fire too?... how can a Hydro-"

He paused.

Hasekura never told him that she was a Hydro Hand. He only assumed that given that she controlled water.

"Okay, that was good" he admitted

So what did she control? Any clues...

He looked at the flickering blue flames, on the ground, and swirling close to Hasekura.

What burns blue?

And then, he remembered.

It just so happened that Komoe-sensei got her title due to the research on pyrokinesis. She often talk about fire abilities and on one occasion, she mentioned difference in the temperature and colour dependent characteristics connected to various chemicals in the air surrounding the flame.

He only remembered it because she got mad at him due to Aogami saying (again!) that he was staring at the girls outside. He had to write an essay on the subject.

What do you know, this weird trivia actually help.

"You control hydrogen, not water, right?"

Hasekura smiled.

"You figured it out? I applaud you. I doubt there will be anything you can do about it though"

Touma couldn't, in truth, filter out hydrogen out of the air. It would probably be a challenge even for gifted chemists like Rikuri, Yakumaru, or Kaai. But it didn't change the fact that he could do what he could do best.

Clench his fist and use his own head.

He dashed forward. Hasekura blasted him with few streams of blue fire. All were dispersed by Imagine Breaker.

She smiled and swirled around like a balerina, spreading more water from one of her tubes. The water formed a rapidly rotating disc, which suddenly shot out in 360 degrees, freezing into a crown of jagged ice spears.

But Kamijou Touma was already into the air, jumping above the spears...

When every fragment of ice and droplet of water turned into mist.

Touma landed and looked around. Hasekura disappeared in the clouds.

If he had to guess, she wanted to ambush him and immobilize him from the distance.

It could very well be effective... but he also had a trick up his sleeve.

In the meantime, Hasekura Reiri was indeed preparing a sneak attack.

She condensed array of small ice needles, ready to lightly bother Touma with them, should he emerge from the clouds.

Upon noticing the moving shape, she fired the attack in its direction.

But it was only a hospital robe, which fluttered limply, and fell to the ground.

'If he isn't here, he must be right be-'

When she was turning, she already realized that Touma was about to reach her from behind. He made it appear that the strike would come from the left, even if his strength was in fact in right hand.

"Left hand?"

She realized too late that she reacted unnecessarily. But it was instinctive.

Kamijou Touma never revealed that his power was tied only to his right hand.

Hasekura bent backwards when the punch sent her way almost connected, air wooshing in front of her.

She backed away wanting to create some distance, but she slipped and started to fall backwards.

'My own ice? Seriously?'

Before she fell or regained balance, Touma jumped closer, brought his left arm behind her back, while grabbing her hand with Imagine Breaker. He bent forward to catch balance.

"Game over"

The floating spheres of water splashed down and dispersed. The mist cleared out.

"It seems so..."

"Bravo, what a stylish ending" they suddenly heard a voice from the side" As someone with strong water affinity, I can only applaud."

Touma, to his mild surprise, noticed Nephthys standing only a few meters away in her Nebena Hettori student persona and clapping her hands. Mikagami tilted her head curiously at the arrival of peculiar 'girl'. However, Hasekura shouted as if she saw a ghost.

"Ruri-chan?!"

Nephthys shook her head.

"My name is Nebena. You are clearly mistaking me for someone"

Hasekura got back to her feet.

"Right... I am sorry, it's just that your light hair and dark skin tone... you reminded me of an old friend of mine. I really miss her, she was rather "

"Alright... speaking of friends, I see you made some yourself" Nephthys spoke to Touma" Got to say, it was quite entertaining to watch you gather so much attention after your awakening"

"I am sure it was... and there had to be a reason why you didn't stop it right away" Touma said in a questioning tone" I bet Niang-Niang was laughing her butt off"

"Well... your other friends did a splendid job on their own" Nephthys not so discreetly evaded the subject" In fact, I brought them here, so neither you or them need to worry about each other"

The others appeared from behind Nephthys, in a rather sizeable crowd. There was Index, Othinus, Gokusai sisters, Maidono, Hasako, Helcalia, as well as Mikoto and Misaki, Kumokawa Seria, Mitsuari Ayu, Ladylee Tangleroad, Kongou Mitsuko, Wannai Kinuho, Awatsuki Maaya, Konori Mii, and many more. To Touma's surprise, a group of familiar boys: Tsuchimikado, Aogami, Hamazura Gunha, and Enka.

Kaibi sighed and then smiled, shaking her head.

"Honestly, we leave you for just a moment and you already met someone new. And by met I mean heart-snatched. Handholding much?"

Touma and Hasekura only now realized that they still have their hands linked and quickly separated them. Additionally, due to the distraction with throwing the robe, Touma was only in his underwear.

"Ah... well, that happened..."

"Touma!" crying Index zoomed forward, latching onto him with tears in her eyes" We missed you so much!"

"Human, I never felt so weak in my many millenia of life. Be more mindful of that. I am incomplete without you around me"

"Onii-chan! Please don't ever go away. Life without you absolutely sucks!"

"Th-Thanks, but... woah, Rikuri, you are going to drown me!" Touma shouted as the oldest sister hugged him as well and started to weep intensely.

"S-Sorry for all the tears but I just wuuuuuuv you so much right noooooow..."

"Darling! I am so happy you are alright and safe... I felt so awful for that entire ordeal!"

"Idiot! I am so angry and sad and there is so much to do... come here..."

"Misaka-san, do have some tact ability and do not approach my prince while he is soaking wet! You are sparking and you will shock him for sure."

"Then stop pissing me off, and I won't need to be charged!"

Mikagami and Hasekura watched as one by one people around Touma expressed gratitude, either physical, verbal, or both, at him being alive, well, and back with them.

"What a... diverse group of friends" Mikagami noted" This gentleman, as strange as he was before, is getting more and more peculiar by a minute"

Touma felt Kaibi grab his arm and look at him with a trembling lips.

He chuckled and said

"Hey Kaibi-san... with that look, I really don't know if you want to yell at me, interrogate me, or... else?

Kaibi finally let go of the strong front, few tears escaping her. She hugged him while whispering to his ear.

"Mostly... else. Something very much else, involving my hosting skills, because I am so damn relieved you are back. I was a bit stressed and nervous, but there will be lots of time to get into all the emotions... because when you are healed, we are going to our apartment and living our peaceful life together... I am not allowing any alternative because I am loving you too much for my own good. In fact, congratulations. With your coma, you might have just become a honorary Measure Heart user, with how everyone suddenly realized that keeping short heart distance with you is the most important thing in the world, and started getting over their relationship issues."

"I can see that" Touma shook his head in exasperation" That chase was something else..."

"Most people in the center of the park, except for few that had means to outrun the outer rings, like Kanzaki-san or Meltdowner, got left behind. That's why we couldn't save you from it in time... Hasako-san got a good idea with using her ability though..."

"I think the main thanks should go to the ladybug, who gave me idea to use grass, and DNA samples, that enabled me to manifest the savannah environment..." Hasako added modestly

"It worked but not on everyone and not forever. When people found their way out of the grass, Helcalia-san took it upon herself to stop any malcontents. And after that didn't help, Accelerator gave Rikuri permission to knock everyone out."

"It was delightful..." Rikuri looked a little bit too elated at the memory" my drones spreading fentanyl and sevoflurane like a cloud of sleep... such an efficient work"

"Later, myself and your two telepathic friends made sure to work on their attitudes and get more opinionated home" Nephthys remarked lightly.

Touma frowned.

"I hope you didn't temper with their memories or feelings. Even if it was horrifying that everyone pounced at me, all at once, those feelings are still valid, and needed to be talked about."

"No, rest assured" Niang-Niang who suddenly appeared close to them. Instead of "They just made sure those girls calmed down a little"

Touma looked at the smaller deity, and in the next time second, Shijie-Xian's cheeks were already being stretched.

"You took some sweet time with that chase, huh..."

"Okay, okay, I give up, don't rip them away..."

"You can just heal, can't you?"

"It still hurts!"

"We did knew right away when you awakened" Nephthys added" we both felt it. But we could have never expect magnitude of reactions from your... admirers"

"Touma will always be Touma" Index nodded" There is no helping that"

"Human will always draw that kind of attention"

"Oi, why do you sound so tired and exasperated?! This Kamijou-san feels guilty for things that are obviously far beyond his control"

"Hamazura also gave a really great speech" Takitsubo interjected, while also giving Touma a warm hug, and patting his head gently for a good measure.

After reciprocating the hug to his female friend, Touma looked at the boys.

"You did? By the way, it's so good to see you here as well

"Boss, so damn good to see you, I missed you. As for the speech thing... well, it was nothing" Hamazura said, waving his hand" I simply tried to point out to those girls that the most important thing today is that you are back. That just for today everyone should celebrate just that. I know what I am talking about because I got my best friend back. It... didn't really work, not a lot anyway. Someone apparently spread the superstitious rumors... that it would be a blessing for their love life if they were to catch you after you woke up"

"Wow..."

"It's good that you finally managed to peel yourself away from your admirers " Aogami said with a scoff" You left without saying as much a goodbye"

"Not cool, Kami-yan." Tsuchimikado shook his head with a smile" Delta Force felt incredibly stupid with two instead of three. Even if Aogami wanted to strangle you for making almost all free girls suddenly losing their minds over you... even more, I mean"

"Seriously, he was comatose and did literally nothing except blink and move his arms without any purpose, and he was still getting girls even then... you are my best friend, but come on, that is just outrageous, I tell you"

"That was the best marathon ever. I am lucky you are my best bro, Kamijou" Gunha started slapping Touma on the back" I knew you had the guts to pull through with this!"

"Regardless of that, he came frequently to 'motivate you' even when it was clear that you could not hear a word. Seriously, he kept roaring: STEEL YOUR GUTS, KAMIJOU! FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT! WAKE UUUUUUUUUUUUP! until he was kicked out of the hospital"

"It worked, didn't it?" Gunha looked around with pride. " Look at him, standing alive and gutsy again!"

"Let's suppose that it did..." Mikoto nodded, to not instigate any further discussions with her fellow level 5, which always turned to be nothing more than nonsensical.

Both she and Misaki looked at two girls in the distance.

"I cannot believe he just met Hasekura and Mikagami-senpai out of the blue..." Misaki whispered.

"Really? With how he gets around? I am not surprised about anything anymore" Mikoto shrugged" Still... this is a reunion I was not expecting."

Hasekura smiled and spread her arms.

"Mikoto-san, Misaki-san, it's so good to see you" she greeted two level 5s as they approached them" You both grew so much I honestly feel kind of old. I remember when Misaki-chan looked like the most adorable little doll"

"Stop it please." Misaki pouted in embarrassment" And look at you, you are as radiant as you've been back then."

"Yeah, you look great. It's great meeting you again" Mikoto concurred.

"It seems like you really have tight history" Touma remarked.

Hasekura used her ability to evaporate the water from hospital gown and Touma put it on. Before he did, everyone managed to get a glimpse of his back where, alongside the preexistent stabbing wound, a pale traces of burns remained, like a peculiar yakuza tatoo.

A wave of gasps spread through the crowd. Hamazura whisteled. Hasekura's open her mouth in a small 'o' shape..

It wasn't overly noticeable, but it still was there, marking another memory that Kamijou Touma's body retained of his arduous fights.

It was Kongou, who fanned the redness away from her face, and clearly needed to occupy her mind with something other than Touma's almost naked body.

"Well, we certainly didn't have any history whatsoever." Kongou looked at Hasekura and Makigami curiously" I am the one and only Kongou Mitsuko, pleasure to meet you. Thank you for taking care of my darling... and I believe some introductions are in order?"

"Oh, of course, Kongou-san. You transferred to Tokiwadai in our 2nd year, so you wouldn't know" Wannai stepped forward. She maintained a friendly smile, but girls noted how she positioned herself between Touma and Hasekura, her hand lightly on Touma's shoulder." This is Hasekura Reiri, a very talented and prodigious Tokiwadai alumni. She used to be Tokiwadai's strongest before Misaka-san and Shokuhou-san were announced level 5s."

"Is that so?" Kongou nodded in acknowledgment, fanning herself in practiced, elegant motions" I am twice as charmed then"

"Oh, you are praising me too much" Hasekura shook her head.

"But it's true. I was so enchanted by the way you manipulated water, I always admired you" Wannai bowed a little, but at the same time, her gaze didn't drop the little hit of a challenge when she kept Touma close to herself.

The fluffy haired Hydro Hand was as removed from feelings of jealousy as one could be but even she could not deny that there was a sting of envy and possessiveness when she looked at Touma and Hasekura-senpai.

It was not so hard to understand why. Hasekura Reiri was cute and charming, very intelligent, was an excellent water manipulator, she had curious, detecitve-like mind, combined with brilliant intuition.

While it was true that Wannai was Hasekura's fan and would give a lot to have a chance to perfect the water control with her, she felt a little bit on edge with how well Touma and Reiri hit it off. It took all of her concentration to not simply drag Touma away while pouting at her older colleague.

Eventually, Touma got back to reuniting with everyone gathered.

"It's so great that you are back" said Konori Mii, after a hug.

"You doubted I could make it?" he joked.

"I would kick you really hard if you didn't, you still owe me a date"

Afterwards, it was turn of Ladylee Tangleroad.

"You are really getting me worked up over here" the petite immortal said with her arms crossed" You have some balls to leave me. I still have my hopes in your hand being the key to my demise"

"And I still have hope that your deepest self in the key to you staying alive in some way." Touma calmly replied, before ruffling the blond hair of the sybil.

She frowned at him from below.

"Don't do that!" she mumbled incoherently.

"I missed you too. I think I have a lot of apologies to make for everyone having to wait for nearly a half of the year for me"

"Pssh, half of year is not even a blink of an eye for me. I perceive time differently, remember" Ladylee sighed, before adding in a quieter tone" Though my hand was a little lonely without yours"

Niang-Niang clapped her hands.

"You know what, I think this calls for a true celebration. We already calmed most of the female populace of this city down... and there are still some people who want to have a celebration of your glorious return. So what would you say?"

Touma nodded.

"I think this is a really good idea. It would be nice for everyone to sit down and just have a conversation. Besides, I am really starving"

"You appear to be in a good mood boss" Hamazura noted.

"Really? W-Well... who wouldn't be, with having such a big welcome comitee?!"

In the moment when Hasekura was handing him hospital clothes, that she dried with her ability, he found a singed message on the inside, in place where only he would notice, with small sparks of blue hydrogen flame still lingering.

'CALL ME' followed by a telephone number.

Hasekura Reiri looked at him innocently and winked.

Maybe this hectic day had its undeniable positives.

"You are not the only one" at the meantime, Index joined in" I am soooo hungry!"

"Then it is decided" Kaibi smiled, putting a hand on Touma's shoulder" I will handle the reservation"

"Me and few others thought of a place in advance, Kamijou" Enka said with a sheepish grin" You know, in case you would have needed it"

"Thank you everyone. Hasekura-san, Mikagami-san, would you like to join us?"

"Well... we wouldn't want to intrude for what is obviously a gathering of your friends..."

"Are you kidding? I had a great time thanks to the two of you. You are obviously my friends at this point, if you want of course. So I would love you to come"

"Then... sure. It seems fun. Right, Mikagami-san?"

"I suppose, I am not against it"

Before they could depart, there was a loud, bellowing voice from up above.

"HERO!"

The voice belonged to no one else but Accelerator. The face of Academy City's Board Chairman and strongest esper was displayed on one of the weather zeppelins, which was floating nearby.

"Accelerator" Touma greeted him" I see you are doing well"

"Hm, I was wondering when will you grace us with your message" Kaibi said resolutely, still arm to arm with boy she loved.

"I heard you made quite a commotion. I think this was the greatest single case of mass hysteria in the history of this damn city" Accelerator exclaimed in exasperation" I have Qliphoth running an errand, then have dozen of different alarms blearing in my ear, and sure enough it's a fucking hero."

There was a longer moment of silence, with two boys just looking each other in the eyes. But just when both Touma and onlookers thought the conversation was finished, Accelerator's lips gave into a smile. A faint smile, but a smile nonetheless.

"Took you long enough" he said in less harsh tone than usual" Welcome home, hero"

(HALF AN HOUR LATER)

"CONGRATULATIONS!"

New Light threw even more confetti into the air, accompanied by Scavengers.

Those two groups achieved a surprising level of synergy and synchronization while they saw him step into the restaurant. Bayloupe and Yakumaru comforted him in a more serious manner, trying to catch him up to speed on the recent events (and also practically leaning on his arms) while Floris and Naru talked one over the other, one trying to hide her obvious relief by acting aloof and other talking to Touma about cranes she made for his recovery. Apparently, at some point, they filled the room to such degree that they had to be moved. Naru could not wait to show them to him.

Lancis made some cookies especially for him to celebrate his awakening. And of course, there was also Lessar... who was hugging him around the chest and had no desire to let him go ever since she latched onto him upon his reunion in the restuarant.

"Lessar... maybe it is enough for now?"

"No"

"Lessar, I get that you are happy... very happy... but a little bit of space please? And stop taking my hand to squeeze your own chest with it!"

"I missed it soooooo much... Lover Boy's body... Lover Boy's scolding... every single thing from you... give me mooooore"

Finally, Touma managed to pry Lessar away with Bayloupe's help, and went around the room, exchanging the conversations with others.

Fukiyose scolded him for leaving the hospital for a mere curiosity, but also expressed genuine relief that he finally woke up. She informed him that while he was unconscious throughout important end year exams, due to Komoe-sensei's intervention, there would be a special exam from the entire grade set up for Touma specifically. It would allow him to be admitted to the next class without any problem, should he pass.

The boy went a little pale listening to that. The exams weren't his strongest forte, for multitude of reasons. Still, there was some time remaining and he didn't want to squander Komoe-sensei's good will, so he thanked Fukiyose for her efforts in making this deal and her offer to help him study.

Kumokawa Seria took him to the side (it was a recurring theme through this day) and looked him in the eyes.

"Are you really feeling alright?" she put a hand on his forehead" you are looking a little bit pale"

"That's because I still didn't have my fill, I am apparently rather popular now"

Seria wasn't impressed.

"Just be mindful of yourself. You have an unparalleled ability of making me worry about you."

"It can't be that bad"

"You fell into Arctic Ocean and gave me depression"

"I am sorry for that... but I survived, right?"

"You were in a coma from suffering fourth degree burns!"

"Happens to the best of us?"

"YOU LITERALY DIED BEFORE!"

"I got better?!"

Seria exhaled and absentmindedly stroke the single hair lock on her spacious brow.

"There is a lot I can predict and prevent, a lot I can manipulate and adjust within the framework of events transpiring around me. I am a genius after all. You never were such a thing, you are too unpredictable both in mind and your luck. Well, this is one of the reason I adore having you around, but sometimes, you are really not making it easy for me"

"I am sorry, senpai. I didn't think you were that bothered"

"Well, it is apparently normal for a girl to worry about the boy she loves" she said before grabbing his head and putting it on her chest.

Touma was torn between protesting and drifting into a pleasant fantasy.

But the decision was made for him when suddenly they heard Kaibi's voice.

"What do you think you are doing, you know-it-all?"

Seria sighed, letting Touma go.

"I guess time alone is too much of a luxury during the party like this."

Touma discreetly backed away and returned to the main party.

Kaibi crossed her arms.

"Luring him here is a bit of selfish on the day like this"

"Oh please, as if you wouldn't do that" Seria scoffed" Despite the fact that some intimate time would be nice, I had to check something"

"With his head stuffed between into your chest?"

"Yes, my chest was essential. Listen, I don't care if you like it or not, the fact is that he was attracted to my looks ever since we met and his desire to be intimate with me, even if not fully realized till relatively recently, was only matched by my desire to have it same way with him. As a matter of fact, it still didn't fact only because we are young and it would be inconvenient for now"

"Are you just going to gloat all day or is there a reason for you describing this to me?"

"My point is that if he had his head on my chest, watched me in one of my most revealing outfits and got some weak excuse of blood in his cheeks that were too faint to even be a proper blush, I know there is something wrong"

"Is he sick?" Kaibi instantly became worried.

"Don't know. But the high from the treatment will end and then... we need to do what we discussed earlier with Hasako-san"

"Will you honour the deal?"

"Everyone will. We get the morning, K.I.S.S gets the afternoon, you and your family get evening and night. And that will keep going until we make him fully at peace"

"I hope it will be successful."

"We all do. After all, he suffered not only physically but also through psychological trauma"

Meanwhile, Touma was with Hasekura, Mikagami, Mikoto, Misaki, who gathered around Helcalia Grocery. Who, Touma felt stupid for only now noticing it, was wearing the Tokiwadai uniform.

"Helcalia... how? You are a Tokiwadai student?" Touma exclaimed, noting for the first time that Helcalia grew once again, being now only a bit shorter than Mikoto.

"She is adorable, isn't she?" Hasekura cooed, striking the blushing Helcalia on the head. " You remind me of my own cliqumates... and once again, Ruri-chan... oh, I miss her..."

"Oh, right... you don't know." Mikoto went on to explain" Shortly after you went comatose, she awakened a pretty crazy esper ability and was training it relentlessly each and every day. To the point that, well... she got admitted and became our kouhai. For that matter, the fact that Kuroko has kouhais is in a way a stuff of nightmares."

"But you need be at least a level 3..."

"And she levelled up fast. She was seriously driven"

"So you are a true esper now... wow..." Touma said with a smile.

"I did all for you. To be useful" Helcalia said, shyly lowering her gaze" I think it can help to keep you safe"

"She is pretty amazing" Sozty Exica grinned, playfully pinching Helcalia's cheek. "Yes, you totally are"

"Her control needs work though" remarked Shutaura Sequenzia, having her shift in the body she shared with Arisa and Mitsumi" Level 3 promising genius or not, collateral damage from her ability can be almost as big of a headache as Maidono-san's"

Sozty, who was normally away from the city went to the city for a celebration, got as grabby as Lessar upon his arrival in the restaurant, although in more relaxed way. She hugged him, comically straining to lift him up, and danced around with a huge smile on her face, tears spilled from her eyes, singing:

" मैं तुमसे प्यार करती!... मैं तुमसे प्यार करती!... मैं तुमसे प्यार करती!..."

over and over again.

Apparently, during his time away, Helcalia gained two big sisters, that on their own would probably never met. Sozty Exica and Shutaura Sequenzia had almost zero similarities, but each of them grew to care and connect with Helcalia. For Sotzy, it was due to their shared Hindu heritage, and for Shutaura, due to the spacecraft tragedies that took both of hers and Helcalia's fathers. As a result, the three was now very close.

Adding Amazora as Helcalia's best friend, the only child's family suddenly grew exponentially bigger.

"Calia-chan, show Touma your ability" Sotzy encouraged.

"R-Right now?"

"No time like the present. Didn't you work on it for him?"

Helcalia sighed before extending her hand

"I will do just a little bit so I won't trash the room..."

Something sparkled and manifested over her hand, and then spread into a dark sphere, shooting small lightning bolts. It looked like night, starry sky encased in a sapphire glow. In the next moment, it expanded and then...

WOOOSH!

Every object in the radius flew away from Helcalia, either bending backward or straight up shooting through the air. The girls wobbled a little as the starry darkness washed passed them. Touma remained in place and there was a sound of shattering glass when the dark half-fluid, half-solid energy washed over him.

"Wow... what was that?" he asked in surprised tone.

"Dark energy. A fundamental force capable of repelling and dividing matter"

"It looked so beautiful... like a night sky and constellation encased in a flash of light..." Hasekura said dreamily" I feel happy, having seen it..."

Then, after Helcalia went away for a drink, Touma started to exchange words with the ojou-samas.

"You know, I think you and Misaka-san are really similar" Hasekura pointed out.

"Really? How?" Mikoto asked with genuine interest in her voice.

"Well, from what I've gathered, both of you don't really care about the rules that pertain to established hierarchies. You said that you would save anyone regardless of their level or status? Misaka Mikoto here would repeatedly breach the unspoken rule of the inability of the outsider involvement in the inter-clique matters so she could resolve some issues or help her friends"

Touma glanced at Mikoto, who blushed at that attention

"Well, I couldn't some stupid pleasantry rules stop me like that"

"No no, I get that, I really do" Touma reassured her, before voicing something else that he noticed.

"I noticed that you two seem to have a lot of respect to Hasekura-san" Touma said to Misaki and Mikoto.

"Well, there is a reason. We both owe her substantial things. I developed my railgun thanks to her challenging me that one time." Mikoto pointed out.

"And she was the inspiration for me to begin my clique." Misaki admitted.

"Really?"

"Yes. While it was you made me believe I could actually do it, my prince, Hasekura-senpai was the first to give me the idea ability in the first place. Earlier, no one wanted to approach me out of fear for my mind control... not that I believed that anyone would like to have anything to do with me. There is a great irony ability, in that one of my greatest achievements came from the two people whose mind cannot alter."

Noticing Touma's confusion, she explained

"Hasekura-senpai can freely manipulate hydrogen, and thus any liquid with water in it, which includes, basis for my ability to function. Thus her mind is shielded from me. Hmph, due to fMRI being a resonance of hydrogen nuclei and energy emitted from them, she could probably falsify her medical scans too"

Afterwards, Touma was grabbed by his male friends, and tossed a couple of times in the air, with Gunha being especially enthusiastic in the tosses, making Touma fear hitting the ceiling.

"KAMIJOU! KAMIJOU! KAMIJOU!" cheered the level 5

"KAMI-YAN! KAMI-YAN! KAMI-YAN!" echoed the Delta Force

"BOSS! BOSS! BOSS!" Hamazura was not far behind in his enthusiasm.

In the meantime, Mikagami managed to get into discussion with Amazora, who didn't really understand the mechanics behind the freckled espers ability. With time, Index, Kinuhata, and few other girls gathered around.

"So you can make it so people are always slim or fat, no matter what they eat?"

"I am so jealous..."

"Not that I care, but does it work on anyone?..."

"W-Well..." Mikagami replied a little bit overwhelmed" It is not exactly like that. You see, when you eat someone, it still has some effects on your body and tissues. Eating greasy food can make you go unhealthy. I can only change the outside look and density of fat around the tissues."

"Sounds rather aesthetical rather than battle oriented" Leivinia Birdway remarked, waving her hand" How can this be useful in the long run?"

"For some, this is a potent convincing tool. Like this."

She touched, to their surprises, both Misaki and Mikoto, making pushing and pulling gestures respectively. What happened next was...

"AAAAAH!" now flat as a board, Shokuhou Misaki got completely devoid colour" What have you done?!"

"Ahah...ahahahah...yes, YES, YESSSSS! I AM HUGE!" Misaka Mikoto had a maniacal light in her eyes, as she supported mounds of flesh with her hands" Almost like momma!"

Misaki reddened as Kumokawa Seria managed to snap a photo.

"Oh, I am not forgetting it any time soon" she laughed

"This is so cool! She doesn't need a Bust Upper, she is a Bust Upper!" Saten exclaimed with ecstatic shock.

Mental Out pointed the remote at Mikagami

"Fix this at once, or I swear-"

"Calm down, it was only a demonstration.

Soon both girls were back to normal, to despair of Mikoto.

Seeing her trembling lip, Mikagami sighed.

"Sorry, but I don't do it for free. If I did, I would be overrun by requests and die from exhaustion. But once we discuss favours, who knows?"

As two level 5s were both speaking in agitation to Oil Direction user (though said agitation was due to the two completely different reasons) Touma could swear that he heard a few of the girls who were more on the flat side, including Birdway, audibly gulp.

Not everyone however had the intentions connected with their chest or hips.

"So I can eat and won't get fatter? I think this is a start of a really beautiful friendship"

Mikagami shivered when she saw hunger in Index eyes.

'Oh dear' she thought' what exactly did I get myself into?'

In the meantime, Touma got once again grabbed by the hand.

This time, it was Kongou Mitsuko, who looked very flustered and fidgety.

"Darling..." she cleared her throat and spoke" I need a moment of your time"

"Hey, Mitsuko-san... what is going on?"

"I wish... to make an important declaration" she pulled some wrapped object from her pocket" Firstly, I want to apologize... sincerely and from the bottom of my heart. I put you in peril, despite the fact that I do care for you and your wellbeing."

"That was not your fault whatsoever. I chose to shield you and Kaibi out of my own free will. If anything, I want to thank you. You sponsored my treatment if I understood doc's message right"

"That I did. But still, in those long, lonely months I realized this is far from enough... so here..."

She unwrapped the object in her hand, revealing an emblem of golden fan with a snake wrapped around it.

"Mitsuko-san, what is this?"

"In Kongou family, the heir of the family can present the partner with an ornament of original design... to declare desire to be... of one family"

Touma's eyes widened. Kongou waved her hands.

"Y-You don't have to answer yet. I am just saying that... I wish you to know that even if you are searching for answer of your heart, I am willing to care for you as if you were already my boy... boyf..."

She got red and behind the fan.

"I w-wish to express my sincere gratitude for all you did for me, so know that you have full emotional and... ph-physical support in whatever you need to feel better. I know you don't wish to be a charity case, but I can still aid in transportation and secure your future stability. T-There is of course also... myself. I do wish to see where the future leads us..."

"Thank you, that's really thoughtful. This exchange... is not binding until I give you something too, right?"

"Oh... ohohoho... i-indeed" Kongou stuttered, turning into a new shade of red." There is also a formal presentation, and flight... it's tradition... e-either way I am just showcasing my openness to the idea... to reaffirm my standing after this accident."

Regaining her usual confidence, she kissed him on the cheek, before looking at him with warm gaze.

"Consider my heart taken" she said softly, and left, just after a frantic Mikagami barged outside the restaurant.

Touma looked at her. For some reason, momentarily, he thought he saw doubles of the girl... but it clearly had to be his imagination.

"How are you holding on?" he asked" You seem a little... frazzled."

"You are apparently busy yourself"

Touma nodded slowly. It was indeed a busy day. He noticed the absence of Himegami and Kanzaki but he guessed that they needed time to sort out the fact that they confessed their feelings. Not that he blamed them.

His own heart was becoming a mess. But Touma knew one thing.

Regardless of how his own feelings would be sorted out, he needed to confront each girl with her feelings to have a clear picture. It was only fair. For example, he knew he needed to address the feelings of Kaibi, Rikuri, Mikoto, Misaki, Shizuri, Fukiyose, Lessar, and who knew how many more... it made him more egotistical than he actually was, but he simply never counted.

It could take some time, but it was what he needed to deal and confront the decision of this magnitude.

"Yeah, it was a long and crazy day" he affirmed" What about you?"

"I made a mistake, showcasing my ability. Your blue haired friend, alongside that nun you call Index... he got very excited and started talking about my ability being glorious and something about... inflation feti-"

"Stop, stop, stop, just... don't listen to him. He is a specific person, in certain moments one needs to just tune him out."

the freckled girl sighed, leaning against the wall" It is always like this. Every girl wants to use me, either because they want a bigger chest or slimmer body. Sometimes I am so very tired of that."

After they both stared at the darkening sky for a while, Mikagami Nagisa looked back at Touma and smiled.

"You know, in a way, I think we can relate to one another"

"We do?"

"Yes... you are not doing things that you do because you want notoriety or fame, right? You don't want to be some casanova who seduces those girls for the sake of carnal thrill. In fact you, just want a normal life."

"Yes... more or less. It just so happens that my life wants otherwise"

Mikagami laughed at that.

"I said I can relate because normal, calm life was something I craved in both highschool and middleschool, and yet I couldn't find one. My ability became a sole motor of my popularity with my peers, to the point I became sick of anyone asking me about anything. I became guarded, yet still... only ever wanted a quiet life."

Touma thought for a moment, before asking

"Then... why not using it for yourself?"

"Beg your pardon?"

"You heard me. You would be an incredible model. Any agency would love to have you. You can help others, but you can also satisfy the demand for anything they can throw at you"

"There is a demand on my bigger forms?"

"Oh yes. Some guys... love things like that" Touma shivered lightly.

"But... modelling? It sounds quite... vain" Mikagami still wasn't convinced.

"Think of it like this: a bit of selfishness in the interest of self-cultivation is not egoism. By doing it, you would actually feel better about yourself, using your talent to be appreciated, loved and valued for who you are"

"But who am I? How do I know people really love me for me? For which version of me?"

"Don't think about what they think, love yourself for all of you. My Imagine Breaker shows that there is a genuine you that reflects the state of your body when manipulation of lipids is undone. But this doesn't matter either. You should love yourself regardless of your fat. It doesn't makes you who you are, unless you are willing to make it a part of yourself. Someone like you can use it to make people see how many other amazing things you have to offer as a person. You lack self-love. I know because I lacked it too... in many instances still do. But I had a friend who saved me from the edge. And if it saves you, if it makes you fill more fulfilled, I will buy all the magazines with you on the cover"

Mikagami chuckled and shook her head.

"You are too much..."

She frowned at the sweat on boy's face.

"Hey... is everything okay?"

"Oh there you are, Touma" Rikuri peeked outside, accompanied by Maidono and Hasekura" We got you a congratulatory cake, everyone is waiting for you.

"Would you come inside and said a few words?" Maidono said, twirling a plate like freesbie

"Sure... though... why are you tilting the ground?" Touma narrowed his eyes.

The girls exchanged glances.

"I am not using my ability..." Maidono replied slowly.

"Really? Cause things are... skewing and... spinning..." Touma blinked few times and his legs wobbled. He swayed from one side to the other" I feel a little bit... queasy..."

"Oh no, catch-"

Nearby street sign bent and managed to stop Touma's fall.

Rikuri exhaled, looking at Maidono's extended finger.

"Quick reactions" she exhaled a sigh of relief.

"What is happening?" Hasekura asked, alarmed, as she ran to Touma and touched his forehead" Ow, he is scorching hot. Is he sick?"

"My best guess is that he ran out of the state of grace the drugs in the rejuvenating treatment provided. He is severely weakened and sick, he needs to rest and recover"

"Oh no! Is there anything we can do?"

"As a matter of fact, there is" Rikuri said in a calm voice" I am going to alert others. Have no fear, we were prepared for it far in advance. Maidono-san, you will be key in transporting him. For now, before we reformulate the plan, we need to put him on something soft"

Mikagami cleared her throat.

"Normally, I am the softest thing I can think of"

"Well..."Rikuri seemed to hesitate for a moment" Alright, make sure he is secured. Hasekura-san, use your ability to cool him down a little bit to mitigate this high temperature."

"What will happen to him?"

"Oh, that's easy. We will aid him with all our force an all fronts"

(SOME TIME LATER)

Touma was slowly, groggily waking up.

"Eaaaah... aaaah..."

His head hurt. His body felt weak. His throat felt sore. He felt like he was burning and freezing at the same time.

The only good sensation came from the air around him... and softness below him.

"I feel so... awful... where am I..."

He tried to force himself to get into upright position, but he couldn't. Additionally, someone else gently prevented him from rising.

"Sssssh..." the gentle voice spoke above him" Don't try to get up... you are safe and cared for now... no need to rush anywhere..."

Touma tried to focus his bleary eyesight and finally realized that he was laying on the grass, with his head on the lap of the girl with a frayed, purplish-dark bobcut, double eyelids, and warm, brown eyes.

Despite her ample chest hiding part of the view, he knew who this was.

"Itsuwa..."

She gently brushed the side of his head with her hand.

Even though she was slightly flushed, she also appeared calm, focused, and most importantly, gentle.

"Hello Touma" she whispered softly" Welcome back. As I said, there is no need to be afraid"

"Itsuwa, what happened to me?"

"The doctor said that you are experiencing fatigue as a natural readjustment of biological functions after prolonged exposure to the treatment you were undergoing. You are weakened and sick. While you are not contagious, you cannot strain yourself, otherwise it would damper your health. Luckily, we prepared for this and took steps to ensure you had a wonderful recovery"

"We?" Touma whispered, and slightly shifted his gaze.

Only then he realized that they were in some place he didn't see before.

It looked like a small, luminous jungle, filled with luminous coloured flowers, thick-trunked trees, and luscious vines. The flowers appeared untamed, but still constituted harmonious landscape. The soothing sounds of water came from a nearby pond and the air was filled with a refreshing mist.

After a moment, he noticed four girls, sitting around, on the ground and on the above ground roots, watching them calmly.

He recognized them.

Kankyougami Hasako.

Arisa Meigo (from the way she held herself and her body)

Saten Ruiko

And, to his surprise, Sukemi Rin

"We are here to provide you care and attention, to help you heal, to make you feel like you are truly loved and cherished." Itsuwa said with seriousness in her voice" We each want to play a part in making you feel special, through our... let's say... housewife abilities. We know how wonderful of a host you are, but now it's the time to make you feel how it is to receive"

Touma felt a wave of gratitude. He wouldn't be able to refuse either way, and something about this display of devotion made him feel different sort of tender warmness.

"Where are we?" he managed to ask.

"I can explain that" Hasako joined the conversation" This place is the section of district 21 that I changed and adapted using my ability. You see, my the core of my power, the very central theme of Environment Control, is the preservation and cultivation of any life I choose. It's about creating, nurturing, and healing. It goes deeper than many think though. When I designate individual... or more specifically, that individual's DNA... to have environment form around them, it's the best environment for this particular specimen. In other words, the place we are in right now was crafted by me to heal you just by surrounding you. Resting here, the water, earth, and air will all work together through the unique compositions of micro and macroelements to accelerate your healing and recovery. The temperature, humidity, and pressure are adjusted to you, so you will always feel just right here. Entering this place can be... challenging, if someone is not with me, so there will be peace necessary for your rest"

"You fought awful lot, you are tired, we get that" Saten kneeled next to him, presenting the food to him, while brushing her hair behind her ear" We prepared some food in collaboration with Maria-san. It's not hard on sore throat too. I will make sure that you stay hydrated and fed"

"I will make sure to soothe your soul with song and dance, so tension will leave you and your mind finds rest just for a moment" Arisa made an elegant bow and smiled sweetly" I know a lot of lullabies and other calming songs. If I am to provide even a little entertainment, it would bring me the utmost happiness"

Rin didn't say much. She only whispered.

"I-I am here to ensure that you won't be bothered and that everything proceeds smoothly. I know it is not a lot, but please, if you need anything, I am here too"

Rin spoke to Itsuwa as K.I.S.S began their housewife mission.

"What is my role?" she asked the Amakusa member.

Itsuwa, without really trying, was chosen as the head of their little operative, and she was the one to assign particular members tasks.

"You don't want me near him for a time being, do you?" Rin asked, more bitterly than she intended.

She was happy that she was included at all, but she couldn't fully hide the sting of jealousy due to four other members of their club having tasks that were close to the boy.

"It's not like we don't want you to be close, but we need to have to understand your situation a bit better." Itsuwa replied calmly" This is not a competition. I know that with Touma's coma, there was a rise of tension and rivalry amongst almost all people interested in Touma. There will be unrest. But us, especially us, must be above such things. The first and most important priority is making him happy and ensuring he recovers. Unfortunately, I am sure not all the people will respect that, so I want to ask you to be our guardian."

"You just don't trust us... we deserve more" Rin's tone shifted to a darker one, before she immediately shut her mouth, forcibly.

Itsuwa raised an eyebrow.

"S-Sorry... she slips out sometimes"

"Like I was saying, we need time to work out a compromise... when he feels better, you will be able to tend to him. But your slashing ability should be ultimate repellant for some of the more notorious troublemakers who would want to impose on his rest. It is a very important function. Please, be patient just a little bit longer"

In the present, Itsuwa gingerly kissed Touma on the forehead. Blushing lightly, she pulled out a wet towel and put it on his brow.

"There is a lot I wish to say to you..." she addressed him, still keeping his head on her lap, and shyly brushing his skin with her delicate fingertips." And a lot of it is due in my heart for a long time. The Priestess already confessed, but that's alright. You asked me once if I loved you... and even though I didn't give you my direct answer at the time, this is fine too. Why? Because I realized my language of love is service. So I will give my reply in my care and tenderness, by nursing you back to help along with my friends, who just like me want to just be good carers for you in this situation. No taking advantage, no fighting. For now, let's forget it. Even if your world can turn to hell at moment's notice. For now, let there just be bliss."

And so began the love confession of Itsuwa to Kamijou Touma. One of the most stretched in time due to not being one of mere words, but of acts of loving service. It would combine with ones of the other members of K.I.S.S to form something far greater than anyone could achieve on their own.

(AT THE SAME TIME)

Shokuhou Misaki, Mitsuari Ayu, Kumokawa Seria, and Gokusai Kaibi sat down by one table.

The mightiest mental specialists in this City of Science had one and only objective.

To perfect their plan of mental therapy for Kamijou Touma.

From their own observations, and from what Heaven Canceller told them, it was obvious that the strain of mental trauma in Kamijou Touma's life was harmful, even if the boy himself would deny it or even be unaware of it.

Mental manipulators rarely saw eye to eye. It took years to heal the festering and bitter wounds of Misaki and Ayu's relationship. Misaki and Seria had one of the most intense, cold-blooded rivalries amongst the City's citizens. And while Ayu was relatively neutral towards Seria, she held the feelings of jealousy reaching the early period of their acquaintanceship.

Meanwhile, Kaibi simply didn't trust any of them all that much. Ayu was the most likeable to her ever since her rescue from Veritas. Shokuhou Misaki seemed to blandly picture-perfect and Seria outright annoyed her. This didn't change ever since they first worked together. Seria arranged Amazora and Rikuri's protection in exchange for Kaibi to be a double agent in SCHOOL and keep Kakine from going Touma and Imagine Breaker, due to their connection with Aleister.

Looking back at it, Kaibi would have done it even on her own accord, simply because how important it was to her sisters, and how she secretly started to have inklings of the feelings for the spiky haired boy even then. But still, she didn't like the dependency she had with Kumokawa.

Still, there was one thing that they had in common other than forms of mastery of mind manipulation. That being of course strong feelings for Kamijou Touma and care for his wellbeing.

When he was in the coma, it was decided that both physical and mental recovery were key for Touma to be truly happy.

The days would be split, with morning being for the Mental Recovery Team (that is, their group), the afternoon's for K.I.S.S (Kamijou Touma's Housewives, led by Itsuwa) and evenings for other girls to have their feelings sorted out and Touma to spend time with his family.

The Mental Recovery Team had no hierarchy (they were too tense in their interpersonal relations to follow orders from any party) but still they somehow manage to divide their parts to play.

Misaki and Ayu, as ones with abilities who could actually access the mind, would actively venture into Touma's psyche, while Seria and Kaibi would be the strategizing team, thinking of the actual therapy plan, and helping Touma from the outside with their presence, should the need arise.

"Alright then." Misaki finished the explanation" Does everyone had clearness ability about what we are ought to do when it's our time to take care of him?"

"Yes, I understand. Entering his mind, processing the memories, and consoling him throughout all this trauma." Ayu paraphrased

"Like all such things, simple in sound, hard in execution" Kaibi nodded" Well, no way around, there is no option for any shortcuts. He is too precious for us to do a half-baked job"

"I thought of majority of this plan, so yes" Seria addeed" I think everything is clear enough"

"So, when do we begin?" asked Nephthys

"Woah!" all the girls jumped back, looking at brown-skinned woman, looking at them with a smile, supporting her chin with her hands.

"You!" Misaki blinked, looking around" What are you doing here? And how did you do that?"

They were alone moments ago, but Nephthys was suddenly perched among them, as if there was five of them from the very beginning.

"Oh, can't I just drop for some tea among friends, one beautiful girl to another?" Nephthys made an innocent face.

"The thing is... this is a very serious private business-"

"Who said I am not serious?" Nephthys raised an eyebrow" I don't need to be omniscient to know that you are going to attempt to help Kamijou Touma's mentality. So, my question was, when do we start?"

"This is not some trifle one can just ask themselves into" Seria shook her head.

Nephthys raised her perfectly arched eyebrow.

"That's a relief, because I wasn't asking. So proud for a mortal, as if you were a goddess bound by mortality. Pride it's not always bad, but respect is even better."

A grimace came over Seria's face and she shot up. She shook her skirt and the big stream of sand poured out over her legs.

"Khh... that's itchy..." she whispered, her cheeks burning from embarrassment

"Did you just... put sand into her panties?" Ayu said the absurd sounded question" How?"

As always, Nephthys made it so there wouldn't be too many questions of her divine nature. Yet still some were bound to appear.

"Humans... you are really focusing on such small things sometimes." Nephthys sighed" I am omnikinetic, I am able to remotely influence everything, everywhere, at any time, because it is all just changing the phase a little bit. I can walk on the surface of the stars, rearrange galaxies by stretching them with my mind, break matter into most basic components by sneezing or waving my hand, but you want to know how you put part of the desert in her panties? Just a simple displacement, child, simple switching of places"

She looked at bare-navel senpai.

"No hard feelings. I just needed to break your attitude just a little so we can all get along. We cannot afford petty squabbles right now, do we?"

Seria huffed at that and, still trying not to scratch her posterior.

"Let's try that again. You want to help Kamijou Touma in mental recovery and I am joining you. It's my pleasure, though not as big as yours"

"Nephthys-sama..." Kaibi said. She knew this strange and powerful woman a little bit and as such, assumed more mellowed down attitude" It's not that we do not welcome you here. But we were simply curious as to why you decided to join us"

Nephthys hummed lightly and tilted her head

"Well, it's nice to listen to someone with manners. As for my reasons... I feel empathy towards Kamijou Touma's memory issue... which, as you all know by now, he lost"

"You feel empathy? How so?"

"I just know... how it's like to feel lost"

Nephthys got silent, her orange and blue eyes peering through space more distant that those other girls were capable of seeing

(OVER 4 THOUSAND YEARS AGO, MIDDLE KINGDOM OF ANCIENT EGPYT, TIME OF ELEVENTH DYNASTY)

The silence of the desert seamed completely undisturbed.

But if one were to get closer, they would notice a group of pyramids, imposing over the sands and human settlements glowing in the distance with small fires and olive lamps.

In of those monumental tombs of human ego, wealth and power, there were voices behind the stone wall. Hundreds of voices.

In the large crypt, with almost no light of day, unaware of passage of time, there was a large group of slaves. Men, women, elderly, and children, talking over one another, crying, praying, or trying to find anything to occupy their minds with aside from the looming death.

They were put to work to build the tomb for the pharaoh, picked from the streets, sold due to debts, or just being born to low in the hierarchy to be placed anywhere else. Despite being slaves, that in itself was only half the problem. The pharaoh was a benevolent ruler, and promised a generous compensation for their work.

The same however, couldn't be said about the heir to the throne. Pharaoh's eldest son believed that his dying father needed a workforce even in the afterlife, just like he needed his gold, food, and organs to function there. That's why, on the pretext of inspecting the pyramid, he ordered the slaves to be shut in the tomb they built, de facto killing them by slowly making them starve.

'They should be grateful people like them are even allowed the privilege of dying in the tomb of a god on earth' the prince snidely said.

Everyone, hoping to be rewarded or even free, felt betrayed. If this didn't happen, some would probably be a loyal servants. But even despite the mentality of the time, they still felt betrayed and struck with grief.

But what could they do? Even if there was so many of them, they couldn't break free. They could just wait there and eventually die.

"Oh sweet merciful Ra, what have we done to wrong you?" one of the men, 40 years of age, shouted, hitting the wall with his hand.

"Why do you harvest our life like a wheat grown from the fertile earth of the Nile, why our children and elders too?" a black haired woman, in her 20s and with a child sucking her breast, wailed.

"The young are the future." croacked one of the elder grannies, with sun-dried skin and almost naked, aside from papyrus skirt" What they did to suffer? We lived through our time, but don't take them, oh all seeing one"

An infant started crying.

Everyone came back to the chaos, and trying to break free.

They didn't want to die yet. They wanted to cling to life.

But it was hopeless. Their death seemed to be absolute.

And then, one of the most respected elders spoke

"Brothers... do not behave like fools in the eve of our end. Remember, our souls have nothing to fear, for in this moment, our hearts are far lighter than feather of truth. Yet, if fear and dread still erodes your immortal spirit, let's leave something for those who will come after us. Let's mark this world with our presence"

"Why?" a teenager of 15 years, merely a young worker that didn't yet manage to get a lot of experience in life, asked "We are slaves. Who will listen to us?"

"And who will mourn us?" the old widow lowered her head" No one will ever care"

The elder was silent for a moment, his skeletal fingers grasping the stick he used for mobility before he answered.

"Words have power. Even tiniest insect, a smallest scarab, is fit to be incarnate of the sun, rolling the fire of the skies across the world, far beyond the Seth's Desert. Even the smallest of gestures can at times change times, unlike anything we can think about. Just like the ripple in the source of the great Nile, far in the Lands Beyond, cascades into great wave close to Big Sea, we can give ourselves meaning we choose to give ourselves. Everyone, gather stone and carve. Carve anything you deem as most valuable thing from your heart. It does not matter what it is. What matters is that the death has a witness"

Slowly, one by one, each of the people, hundreds of them, began to carve. Illiterates were helped by those who could write at least the most basic of the glyphs. Mothers wrote things for children, husbands together with their wives. Elders brought in their wisdom, workers experiences, ordinary folk their feelings about most mundane of things.

The days passed, and the mountain of stone fragments grew in the center of the crypt.

And finally, it was done. And so was their time.

First people began to fall, and the rest was holding on the remnants of their strength. They were already malnourished before being trapped inside, so death was going to take them faster than those who would enjoy their full strength.

And as they were facing death together, the elder spoke quietly

"Today, we discard our humanity. We were never treated as humans to begin with. But now, as we part with this life, we are leaving behind something to say that we were here. That there were still some of us who had lives that we are leaving behind. Without witness and without any reward, we are to grieve on ourselves alone, in the darkness..."

Hundreds of people started crying silently, some of them falling on the clay tablets with carved messages and scribbles.

"No human or god would cry over our fate... so let those tears of those who abandoned their humanity to create god's tomb be the only mercy we can have... the only divinity we can hope to sway in our favour"

That was it. Everything was said.

It seemed that it truly was the end.

But the universe needed to change.

That grief and testimony of abandoned humanity, put together, brought forth something far more powerful than human gods, societies, or powers.

Magic. The desires, pieces of knowledge, and the rite of passing, the intense grief and misery converged into one point and were about to bring into the world something new. Something yet unseen.

Suddenly, the tablets began to glow and vibrate.

Slaves, shocked by the presence of light after many days in darkness, shielded their eyes...

And it was the only thing they saw, after the powerful pulse of power turned every single one of them into powder, and pulled the dust inside itself.

(THREE DAYS LATER)

"Move this boulder, immediately!"

"But your highness, this might be dangerous-"

"I do not care, do it!"

"Y-Yes!"

The boulder was moved away with strenuous effort.

The prince stepped inside, looking around.

Some time passed after he ordered to lock the slaves inside. That should have been the end of story, except for the fact that three days, a patrol reported hearing strange noises... a woman wailing... inside the pyramid. The prince dismissed it, saying that one of the slaves was probably losing her mind, but the soldiers insisted that this voice was not disturbed by any other... it sounded clear and powerful...

And then on the second day, a solider outside of the pyramid reported what looked a mirage of the beautiful woman, that merely looked at him and then simply vanished into the sandstorm.

There was a curse at play, whispered the prince's man. The slaves somehow cursed those who wronged them.

The prince felt his irritation reach its peak. He would not stand having his people invested in the ridiculous stories about the occult.

He walked across the crypt and spread his arms.

"See? Nothing to see here? No vengeful ghosts, no wailing woman, nothing of importance"

"Exactly, your majesty. It is a bit odd for all the corpses to be missing... and there is a surprising amount of sand on the floor" cautiously said one of the advisors, wiping the lone tear from his eyes.

"So what? Maybe this pyramid wasn't as great as they claimed and sandstorm got some sand inside"

A few more tears fell on the sand.

"This is more than 'some'..."

"Are you questioning me?!"

"N-No, of course not, your highness..."

"That's what I thought. I need to whip those fools who made me come here on the basis of rumors... I am the next incarnation of the Sun. I fear no one. Gods are my kin!"

He rubbed his eyes. Meanwhile guards felt their spears vibrate slightly. The rocks on the ground also started to tremble.

Something was changing in the air, but no one could fully tell why.

"Look, I am crying because of you!"

But it wasn't only the prince. Everyone was crying now, the stream of salty water flowing down their faces and into the air... when it stayed, afloat, droplets floating through the crypt. Gravity seemingly stopped working.

Even if there was no wind inside, the sand began to move and slowly rotate in a vortex. With a roar of thunder, everyone was blown back, still crying. The ever growing streams tears and small dunes of sand, remnants of hundreds of slaves, mixed together in whirlwind, silhouette appearing in its mixed.

Couple of lightning arcs struck out of nowhere and space folded onto itself, as sand and tears turned into a floating body of a naked woman with brown skin that looked like polished bronze and white hair, moving in an invisible wind. She was hovering meter above the ground surrounded by a golden glow, with her arms spread and eyes closed.

In that moment, a new Magic God was fully born.

The soldiers immediately fell onto the ground, grovelling on the sand. The prince managed to regain his bearings and looked at the beautiful woman before him.

"Your highness" the advisor hissed from the ground.

"What?"

"Prostrate yourself. This is clearly a goddess who descended on mortal coil. You are ought to show respect"

"But I am their equal! I am one of the gods! There is no need for that"

He addressed the woman.

"Greetings, mighty goddess. I am the son of Horus, about to be the incarnation of the Sun on Earth."

The woman did not answer. She simply moved her head to the sides, and then moved forward, travelling through the air seamlessly and without stopping.

Prince frowned

"I said that I am our gods kin. My father is the lord of this Earth, from Houses of The Blessed where the sun rises to the Desert of Death where it sets. You came onto what will become my domain, so show me my due respect."

Advisor paled.

The woman came to a halt. She slowly raised her slender arm. The prince proudly lifted his chin.

"That's right, better late than never. After all, I am a go-

He exploded, turning into sand.

Advisor muffled the cry of shock.

The goddess lowered her arm.

""I am..." she spoke for the first time" Grieving... but who..."

She floated forward, the entrance breaking down on its own and allowing her to pass.

Outside, she faced the rising moon and slowly setting sun.

She finally opened her eyes.

Her left eye shone silvery blue, like the moon.

Her right eye glowed with amber orange, like the sun.

She felt... everything. Like she could reach to the stars and pluck them from heavens with her fingers.

She could think of being somewhere, and there she was.

She could think of doing anything, and it was done.

Speed and strength were immaterial. Distance and duration too.

In fact, she felt the very world straining from the burden her newly formed existence posed, trying its hardest not to fall apart.

Her... existence? Whose existence?

She grabbed her head, as if she was trying to split it open.

She thought that... but which she? All of her? Part of her?

Hundreds of voices in her head... so many voices... so much grief... so many tears...

She heard every grieving voice... every tear... so many...

Who were they? And...

"WHO... AM... I?!"

With the the true cry of the goddess, the sands of the desert rose up like giant waves, swallowing everything around her whole.

(BACK IN THE PRESENT)

Nephthys came back to reality, focusing on the girls by the table.

"Let's just say that I am familiar with being confused about one's own identity... to feel like one's born out of nothing without any memories..."

"I... I see... anything else?"

""In fact, yes. If you are going to visit Kamijou Touma's brain, you may encounter specific kinds of memories... some of which may confuse you to the point of insanity... which is why you need my help to navigate them..."

"Which memories?"

"That human walked through countless phases being altered, which is why the sense of time in the sequence of his memories is far from what humans are accustomed"

"I... don't think I follow" Ayu commented unsurely.

"Oh, it must be hard for you to understand, because you are not perceiving time like myself or others like me do... for humans, time is linear. This is how it must be, because your poor brains would not be able to make sense of it otherwise. But for someone who can intereact with events themselves and change them... as well as for someone who remains unchanged, like Kamijou Touma... time is in fact simultaneous. Every moment leads to every other moment because all it takes is one phase shift, and every ordering of events is relative to someone's perspective because in phase manipulation, what happened in one point of view can still happen in another phase, and what will happen in another phase is ought to be due to what happens in previous reality. Everything is connected, present influences the future, which coexists simultaneously, since reality is in fact layered. The direction of time does not matter because it's just one of many possible sequences of events. The only true order of time is that of Imagine Breaker, because it is the only element of this world which cannot be changed and 'painted over'. Do you understand?"

They didn't. They really didn't, but still, Seria resumed it for them

"So... basically, you want to guide us since some memories can be challenging from the comprehensive and cognitive point of view"

"What a way to demystify it, but I suppose that's correct"

"Well... if you say there is something like that out there and you have personal reasons" Misaki said dyplomatically" I see no reason ability to refuse your help. My prince needs all the care he can receive when it comes to tending to his scars"

"Thank you" Nephthys smiled" I really wish to be there... to do this with all of you"

Indeed, Kamijou Touma needed all care he could get. Even if he was to rest for now, the storm clouds still gathered above him.

(IN THE NEW WORLD)

"What is this idiot doing?" Proserpina muttered in exasperation, observing the glowing form in the distance.

Nuada, leaning over the wall close to the goddess of spring, massaged his brow with his prosthetic

"Chimera is readying to return to the phase where Imagine Breaker resides" he explained. His muscles twitched in controlled anger." She is going to have a battle for his affection"

"Chimera battling in the contest of beauty?" Proseprina shook her head with wide eyes" Who would be brave... or foolish, enough?"

"Satan, I think"

"Satan. Like Christianity's Satan? He is not pretty at all"

"Ah, no, no..." Nuada sighed and snapped his fingers" Sa-ten. Yeah, she keeps shouting: 'Have at you, Saten, my worst archenemy'. That mortal girl is either incredibly brave or utterly stupid"

"Are you coming with her?"

"Of course" Nuada straightened herself" I can't leave Chimera unchecked"

"Mhm... out of obligation, right..."

"What was that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing... I plan to come along too"

"You? You lived such a reclusive life until recently."

"I guess I found myself a really convincing daughter..."

(MEANWHILE, IN ORIGINAL PHASE, ENGLAND)

"It appears that princess Carissa will send someone from abroad to us, dear" Leivinia and Patricia Birdway's mother, Eleanor, smiled sweetly at her husband" Apparently, some friend of our dear Vinia"

"Hmm, such is her right, though I am surprised she comes here herself." John Birdway sighed over the paperwork in his grand and majestic office" We need to be prepared to greet our esteemed guests with all the honours"

"Oh, most definitely" the blond lady moved to the window, her long locks swishing behind her, looking at the grounds of their luxurious mansion.

She folded her fan and eyed her husband again.

"I simply can't wait when that time comes"

"I can only say the same" John allowed himself a small smirk as well, as rose up from his chair and reached for the cigar" This will certainly be very intriguing..."

(WITHIN IMAGINE BREAKER)

Below everything, below entire array of forces, the red eye opened. It waited and waited, for the right moment...

'I am coming for you, my children. And for you, Kamijou Touma' the female voice filled the void, before the eye faded back into the shadows.

(IN ACADEMY CITY)

"I want to say that I wish to be..." the redhead scientist, formerly known as Veritas, being much younger than she appeared, practiced in the shopping display.

"Now that he is back, I want to talk to him... b-but I am so shy..."

She slapped her cheeks with her hands, huffing in approval

"C-Come on, it's just a little talk. What's the worst thing that can happen"

(ELSEWHERE, ALSO IN ACADEMY CITY)

In her room, Hasekura Reiri was tossing on her bed, her head filled with excitement.

Her smile was visible even in the dim light, as she felt herself lighter than ever.

"Maybe I just found something... or someone... that I was lacking ever since leaving Tokiwadai... it surely got lively since I left, but that's alright... since I am going to be part of this lively world once again..."

(BACK WITH TOUMA)

Those and other scenes all unfolded in Academy City and around the world, bearing meaning for the future of Kamijou Touma's adventures to come.

But for a moment, with the loving touch of Itsuwa, singing of Arisa, and gentle sounds of the environment Hasako made for him, he was at peace.

A road to recovery was beginning.

(TO BE CONTINUED...)

And again we are here on the end of another chapter. This time, in not yet used character spotlight, we have Hasekura Reiri and Makigami Nagisa. No Sha, unfortunately, she wasn't really fitting into my vision here. Have no fear, maybe I will write her into the story on some occasion, when there will be more favourable plot conditions on hand.

One important thing: I am giving up on definitely saying how many romantic routes will have in this story. One thing that's certain is that we will know definitely at the end. Till then, ignore my earlier statements, because this number can still grow (even if not everyone will have children, most likely). I will be damned if I didn't do Hasekura route. Yes, I am doing Hasekura x Touma route and that's final, because the chemistry is glorious.

I really enjoyed having the opportunity to read and explore the characters of First Year Arc. I know from the very beginning that it's a huge pity that they had no interaction with Touma. Whether you like Railgun only characters interacting with Touma in fanon, that's on you. I am just giving the opportunity to those who like seeing such possibility.

Hasekura struck me as positive, curious, and intuitive. Meanwhile, Mikagami is more stern, serious, a foil to both Hasekura's intuitive naivette and Touma's earnest straightforwardness. Also, I thought their powers are really cool and it got me interested what would happen if, in truly Tokiwadai-esque fashion, they would try their strength against Touma.

This entire chapter is transitioning from status quo to recovery, and it is meant to be pure chaos, which is most embodied in the biggest hysteria in Academy City's history, with Touma's entire harem (and more) chasing him through the streets.

I think some people may be surprised at seemingly sudden and bold confessions from Kanzaki and Himegami, but there is logic in this. It is to demonstrate how coma often changes perspectives and values of the social environment of the comatose patient. Trust me, I studied the cases. In many instances, this reevaluation causes sudden love confessions or declarations upon patient's eventual rewakening. I wanted to make Touma's reawakening as natural as it could be, given its unique medical circumstances.

A Nephthys origin scene was something I really wanted to make ever since I was introduced to her character. There is a connection between her and Touma with their scrambled memories, and honestly, it needs to be tapped into it more.

So, in the near future, we will see the efforts of two teams, Mental Recovery and K.I.S.S, as they try to ease Touma's mental and physical suffering, in addition to experiencing rivalries between girls and some love confessions and confrontation about feelings, also brought by reevaluation in the period of Touma's coma. Other than that, Chimera, Birdway Family Arc, which also involved Carissa and others, are on the horizon.

Until next time, you are amazing, and I hope to hear your opinions about my work!