NOVEL NEXT Chapter 11: chapter 11
(SOME TIME LATER)
After the biggest fabrication in Academy City's history, Kamijou arrived at district 10.
He was wandering around, as he arrived a lot before appointed time, trying to locate the prison.
And that's when he had an encounter that escalated every possible type of misfortune.
He collided with a girl on the corner of one of the many alleys that formed infamous district 10, home to Academy City's prison and cemetery.
The girl was tall and slender, looking like a model, especially with the fashionable coat she was wearing. She had very mature body for a teen, tea coloured hair and similarly coloured eyes. Eyes that were staring coldly as the coffee, which spilt during their collision, was now staining her dress. She was also carrying a rose, and that alone got Touma thinking, but he did not time to dwell on that any longer.
"Watch where you're going, you dumb motherfu-"
"I am sorry, let me just-"
They both froze. The girl narrowed her eyes.
"Wait a second... you look familiar..."
"Yeah" Touma also said, taking a step back" I think I saw you somwhe-"
Then, the realization struck. And it didn't make him feel safer in any way at all.
"You were in Dianoid when St. Germain attacked. You are Hamazura's friend... that crazy girl who shoots lasers!"
Mugino Shizuri smiled in a very stiff way.
"You know, I am so angry right now for the second part of that sentence, that I want to cut your balls off right here and there. But if I did that, what would I hear from Kinuhata and Hamazura? They would nag about it and I'm sick of that! I won't give them this satisfaction"
"Sooo... you won't attack me?" Touma asked, taking yet another step backwards.
A green beam tore through the space, making him freeze on the spot.
"Oh, I didn't say that" Mugino walked closer to him, with an orb of green energy above the shoulder "You see, Hamazura said quite a few things about you. He holds you in a great esteem. He also said that you encountered level 5s like me before... and survived that, as I can see with my own eyes..."
'Damn you Hamazura, why did you tell...'
Touma started to get angry at his friend, before he realized that the girl before him could shoot energy beams that would probably be able to cut even diamonds given enough time.
'Okay, I forgive you under those circumstances...'
Kamijou and Mugino were facing each other in silence, until the girl spoke again
"Kamijou, to be honest, I don't really have anything against you per se... I don't know you yet. However, you have a lot of stories going on for you and it made me... curious, for empirical verification... because a did some research in this aspect alone and you encountered all of them... but not me."
Her eyes were showing a hunger of battle that Touma seen many times before. He did not like where this was going. Was she pissed that he ignored her amongst level 5s? She was a dangerous type, damn it! What was that, yandere simulator?
"Fight me, Kamijou. Let me see your spirit and show me your worth. Then I may consider becoming your ally. Fail and I will crush you without hesitation, I don't care what Hamazura and the rest say"
Touma stared at her, trying to somehow get out of such situation. Even though it held a vastly different emotional valence, this relationship was similar to one he had with Saten. No actual interactions and information gathered through a shared friend.
He did not know much about Mugino, but he was sure she was the type to not quit until she got what she wanted. He hoped that he could talk with her and get to know her, even if it was dangerous. This was Hamazura's friend after all. But maybe he could avoid figh-
"Oh, and if you deny me, you will pay for washing that coat"
"Okay, let's go into the place where no one gets hurt..."
(LATER..)
It was going well... until it wasn't.
They moved to the west, near the small river between districts 10 and 2, which later fell into the bigger one, that flowed through district 7. Come to think of it, what was with rivers and girls challenging him to fights?
Their fighting styles were not matched. Kamijou was close contact brawler, and Mugino fought from the distance. Her beams were challenging, and the amount of dodging and circling around that he had to go through was enormous. But he was making progress, until he finally grasped her wrist, negating her power
"Again!" the girl demanded.
She shot and threw everything her power could give her. And yet...
"Again!"
She could not hit him. The ground was molten and scorched, they both panted like crazy, but Kamijou Touma stood unharmed. He blocked her beams, which kept her shocked and filled with some sort of frantic awe. He did not falter. And kept winning...
"Again!"
She had no way of knowing, but he avoided planetary sized attacks and divine lances that exceeded concepts of numbers, space, and time.
"ARRRRRGH?! WHAT IN THE SHIT IS THIS?!"
"Mugino-san, it's been a 5th time already. You will hurt yourself-"
"Don't you dare... pity me. I am Meltdown-"
And then, she tumbled down.
"Told you. Listen, I know you are the type that keeps fighting until she wins. Trust me, I know people like that. But can we please stop? I have an appointment and-"
She did not like that. She slapped his hand away.
"Don't mock me, you piece of shiiiiiiiiiiiit!"
And so, the chase ensued. Which in turn led to yet another encounter.
"AAAH?! Who are you and waaaaah?!"
A girl was standing near the riverside and Touma swept her of her feet before running onto the nearby alley.
"W-Wha... put me down! Put me down this instance, you commoner!"
Kamijou stopped, and listened on. The sound of his pursuer were getting distant.
The girl he carried in princess carry had black hair, wore a Tokiwadai uniform, and had a prominent forehead. In the free hand she was holding a fan. She seemed to have a developing, yet already very attractive body Also, she seemed displeased with the way he saved her.
"That's it. You tested great Kongou Mitsuko's patience to its limit. Be blasted away!"
However, Touma anticipated it and took hold of her wrist with his right hand, which caused her to awkwardly pat his chest with no power activating.
"W-What... but my ejection point..."
"Oi, if you finished checking my muscles..."
"I wasn't... I didn't..." the proud girl stuttered.
"Then listen! There is a crazy esper after me! You have to go away, now... wait, what are you even doing here?!"
The girl who called herself Kongou looked awkwardly to the side.
"I was planning on meeting my friends in district 4..."
"That's 3 districts to the north."
"..."
"You just got lost, didn't you?! How terrible is your sense of direction?!"
"Huh?! How dare you! I am-
"I. FOUND YOU!"
In one swift jump, Kamijou pulled Kongou behind himself just as the blast of green hit his right hand.
When Kongou looked again, she saw a tall girl shooting a beam of light and Kamijou shielding her with his entire body, and somehow blocking the deadly beam. Even if it scorched his hand, he made the shielded area with great care so Kongou wouldn't get hit.
She saw it. She felt it.
Mitsuko Kongou was a proud girl who came from a rich family. She boasted about her status, power, and many other things. But she was also a kind girl who wanted to have friends and get affection in return. Her heart was often touched even if she said some haughty things.
In that moment, she knew she was saved.
But what happened afterwards, was a little bit above the usual program of salvation.
Kongou knew fairy tales. Many girls knew them. And in her eyes, Mugino became a violent dragon, Touma a brave knight with a magical shield, and she, Kongou Mitsuko, was of course a beautiful princess.
Kongou did not know many guys, as was the case with many Tokiwadai girls. She had no way of knowing that Touma would act like this if anyone was in danger. So her mind gravely exaggerated the situation
"Quick! Run for it... Kongou-san... was it?"
Kamijou shook Kongou who snapped out of her shojou manga fantasy.
"I thank you, but there is no need! I was repulsed by your common looks, but you clearly fell in love with me and risked your life for me. It was fate that we met. I, Kongou Mitsuko, shall protect my darling with all of my power! For I am the greatest of all and I shall be the one protecting him!"
Kamijou tried to process everything that was happening. Even Mugino looked confused
"WHAT IN THE ACTUAL FU-"
There was no way to rationalize it. No matter how hard you tried.
Affection came in many forms. And the proud Kongou Mitsuko was just struck with so called love at the first sight. Later, after her emotional surge, she would proudly try to convince herself if such a love really came to be. But for now, she was awestruck.
"You uncouth brute of a girl! Eat this!" she screamed as she attacked from behind Touma's back
Of course, this wasn't a good idea, because the blast of the wind pushed Touma, who didn't manage to evade it, right onto Mugino.
And...
Kamijou felt something on his lips. It was warm, soft, and sweet tasting.
Then he was kicked in the stomach with such a force that he fell backwards, and almost vomited.
Mugino rose up, and touched her lips. If she was beast-like before, now she turned into a nuclear reactor.
"You... you... scuuuuuuuum!"
Yes. In that chaotic fashion, Kamijou got his 3rd kiss on the lips.
It seemed Mugino was now furious beyond reason. Touma took Kongou by the arms and looked at her, while still observing Mugino at the edge of his vision.
"Kongou-san, I would never forgive myself if something happened to you. I promise, I will talk to you and we will be able to do something normal, in regular circumstances. Now go, please!"
Kongou bit her lip, but rose up, looking at him worriedly.
"Okay... I will keep you to it. Otherwise, I shall bring my wrath upon you, commoner. I offer my thanks for you-"
"That's lovely, now go!"
Albeit hesitant, Kongou started to run. Later she will realize that she didn't ask for Kamijou's name. The two came from completely different worlds and although that relationship would not be exactly like a traditional fairy tale, this feeling remained in Kongou's heart and filled it with warmth. Even when she rationalized it, it remained like a warm glow.
Meanwhile, Kamijou's Imagine Breaker clashed with enormous beam and this time, the power was so strong that he had to deflect it. He felt pain and he realized that the beam dislocated his arm.
Mugino towered above him.
"I honestly did not want to kill you... but I will make you pay for what happened just now.."
But as she said that, something peculiar happened.
Mugino was suddenly thrown to the side, as if she was hit by an invisible truck.
Then Touma felt someone lifting him to his feet.
"Honestly, you were supposed to be waiting for me... I had to search the entire district for you... hmm, sorry I took so long though..."
The girl who saved him wore a pink top that ended showing her well-shaped belly, short jeans, and tennis boots. She had slender arms and legs, chestnut eyes and long blond hair, which was actually a wig by Touma's knowledge.
She smiled at him
"Long time no see. It's good that you survived that after I saw you in a hospital."
Touma smiled at her. He never knew her real name, but he recognized her.
"Glad to see you again as well, Santa girl-san"
She was the girl he released.
The strongest telekinesis user, Maidono Hoshimi.
"Don't... interrupt our fight..." Mugino got up. Touma had to admit, she had amazing endurance.
Maidono turned around
"Oh, it's Mugino-senpai. I never actually met you, but I was a big fan when I was a dark sider. Can I get your autograph?"
She was met with dead silence.
Maidono sighed and raised her index finger. One of the heavy containers with trash was lifted as if it didn't weigh anything at all.
"Then I am sorry, but you are interrupting my reunion. I will have to make you leave."
However, the container was split in two in mid-flight.
"You brat, I don't care if you are a telekinesis user, I will still fry you-"
"Guess it is the hard way then. I wanted to make it easier for you"
"Who the hell you are to think you can defeat a level 5?"
Mugino started walking towards Maidono, but the blond pointed her index finger at older girl.
Meltdowner suddenly froze in place, not moving a millimeter.
"What..." she muttered, her body stiff and motionless." What did you... I can't move..."
"You see, if it was any other level 5, I would be in trouble. But you just happen to have a disadvantage when it comes to my power. My ability can't lift anything that is a living organism. I don't know why exactly, I think the energy emitted by organic cells prevents my "grasp" to form. But then again, Mugino-senpai...this wonderful body of yours is partially inorganic after a certain incident, isn't it? That means..."
Mugino shot a glance down, and then back up, realization dawning in her eyes.
Maidono's index finger moved higher with a motion of a wrist and Mugino's artifcial arm shot up, clearly without any of her will behind it, with Meltdowner's body forming a half of a letter "T"
The metal prosthetic twisted alongside Maidono's gesture, to the point that no arm should. Even though Mugino bit her lip, a groan escaped her throat and eyes clouded with pain.
"Maidono, that's enough, you are hurting her!" Touma interrupted.
The girl stopped and spoke back:
"As you wish. I will ask her to leave us alone now."
Mugino's eyes widened when her feet left the earth. She was held in the air by mechanical parts of her body (mainly arm and other parts of one side of her once burnt skin), as Maidono positioned her in the direction of the river.
"Damn you... I will roast you alive... Kamijou... I am not leaving him now!"
"Yes, you are" Maidono said calmly, and made a gesture similar to jabbing a finger into something.
"YOU BIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIITCCCCCCCCCCCCCC..." Mugino roared when she was forcibly repelled with great speed straight over the river. The velocity turned her into a human equivalent of skipping stone before she fell into the water.
(15 MINUTES LATER)
They were returning to Touma's apartment after an operation which got his arm back to its sockets.
"She won't be happy. Mugino-san, I mean..."
"Well, she will eventually get over it." Maidono said blankly, as if she did not believe it herself.
They were walking side by side, and only now did Touma could really take a good look at her. When they first met, she wore a Santa costume. It was strange to see her in regular clothes. Not that she was looking bad in them though.
"How have you been?" Touma spoke to the girl.
Maidono mused a little at the question
"Well, as you know, I was in prison. Even if not everyone liked me, it was not a total waste. You see..."
She tightened her hold on his arm, as she supported him in walking.
"Remember that conversation when we last saw each other? I know that you had things to protect, I had my own complex... it didn't go so well. But when it went down like it did, and also what you told me during our encounter in the hospital... I just couldn't stop thinking about you..."
Touma looked at her, and she realized what she just said.
"W-W-Wait, let me elaborate. It's just... fighting you made me realize that there is a way for someone who lost something to carry on with his head high. After all, you lost your memories. My loss seemed, well... petty after that..."
"Yeah, and how is your... problem?" Touma made a gesture as if pinching something between his index finger and thumb.
Maidono's smile fell a little.
"It's... not changing, even a bit. I got a little... carried away, when someone pointed that out during lunch... it sucks for me, but that's not my point. You remember that part when I said that I finally found someone to serve?"
"Yeah, I think so. What about it?"
"That person is you. And it was what kept me going through all my time in prison. You inspired me. You made me realize that I should have kept going regardless of my loss. I would lie if I said that being a dark sider didn't bring me excitement. But I thought that maybe, just maybe, I can gain this euphoria while doing something worthwhile. When I spoke with you that last time, your will to keep me from straying down the path of light only confirmed my suspicion. You are without a doubt the most bizarre person I've ever seen. But even so, you know... emm..."
She lowered her head and twirled her index fingers along one another in a rather shy display. The nearby trashcans and motorcycles shook slightly.
"Honestly, when I saw you walk away, I felt frustrated. And it only grew when I got into prison. After a while, I realized I missed you. Weird, given that we were basically strangers, but yeah. I really wanted to see you again. I didn't wish to just discard what you gave me. I may still be a criminal, but you gave me hope, however small it was. You were my actual motivation to live through prison reality. So I hope you will show me the way that was supposed to help me."
"Maidono..." Touma was taken aback. He did not know he impacted her that much.
"Of course, I don't expect that you will just forgive me. I tried to crush you between buildings, after all. But I will try to make it up to you. I will try to see the way you do things in and learn from it. So my offer still stands. I will become your far-reaching hands and serve you as your support!"
Touma smiled at that.
"I am happy for such a troubles... I mean, helpful offer. But you don't need to treat me like this"
"You were gonna say troublesome! Hmph! Also, can I call you Master Touma?"
"No"
"Touma-dono, then"
"No, that's super embarrassing."
"I guess..."
"You make me sound like some superhero!"
"Well, yeah. You survived my attacks like a fricking Terminator"
Touma stopped and put a hand on top of Maidono's head.
"Let's not dwell on the past. We met again, and it's something already. I too thought about what I could to help you. And thanks to recent events, I can give you something that will help you find yourself in the world of light"
The girl was surprised at the gesture, but did not shake his hand away.
Touma told her about his situation and Amazora's troubles. He did not hide away the fact that he was now sharing a dorm. If Maidono was to help, it would be better to give her the whole picture.
"That's a peculiar request, but I will accept it if it helps you as well. Me, as a teacher? Hmm, not quite bad. Not to brag, but I am finest there is in telekinesis..."
She smiled at Touma and gave him a thumb up
"I will be in your care then. I can't wait."
"I look forward to see what future has in store for us as well"
The made a high five in the rays of lowering sun.
"By the way, you still have that wig, huh?"
The not-so-actually-blond girl blinked and laughed
"Oh, yeah, I do. I was arrested in it, and it was returned when they released me, so I kind of have it on now. Hmm, are you curious about my real looks?"
"I would lie if I said I wasn't. Oh, also, Maidono Hoshimi isn't your real name, right? How should I call you?"
The level 4 pondered at that, and shrugged with a smile.
"You are right, I have a different name. But I will reveal it in time, when I truly make myself useful to you. Also, even if Maidono Hoshimi is the identity tainted with darkness, it can serve me as a reminder. And if it's something that links you and me... then I will hold onto it. Call me Maidono. Or... H-Ho... Hoshimi, that's fine too..."
"Hmm, hoshi... hoshi... then "Starlight" as diminutive..."
Maidono blushed a little.
"O-Oi, don't think of pet names, I didn't sign up for this"
After a moment, she added:
"You know... this was the first time I was trusted with such a big thing. I am talking about your memory loss. You also didn't ridicule my chopstick problem. I wanted to say this for a long time... thank you so much."
(10 MINUTES LATER)
As they entered the building, they more or less managed got each other acquainted with events in their lives. Touma made a somewhat abridged version of his adventures, while Maidono recalled prison reality and her inmate friends.
"Did you say Hanatsuyu? "Touma asked with interest" So Youen is okay? Thank god, I was worried about her as well."
Maidono sighed.
"Well, she would certainly be glad. I am almost certain I heard her say "Kamijou" in her sleep in a rather... interesting voice. She also named a rat she was allowed to keep as a pet after you."
"That's... nice, I think. She is a peculiar girl, I give you that. I am actually indebted to her... and she also... y-you know, never mind.
Besides being a small villain manipulating pests and vermin, Hanatsuyu Youen was Touma's 2nd kiss on the lips. Even if it happened in alternative world, it still felt like a real one to him. Now to think about, his 1st kiss, that tasted like a sock and ended up poisoning him, was with a malevolent sadodere sorceress, 2nd was with a 10 year old criminal and would probably lead him to being questioned by Anti-Skill, and 3rd was with a sexy, but crazy level 5 esper who would like to cut him to pieces for it. 3 time's a charm? Screw this!
As they entered the apartment, they found 3 sisters turning around to them while sitting on the couch.
New chapter in Maidono Hoshimi's life was about to begin.
(LATER...)
Long story short, introductions were made.
Kamijou introduced Maidono as an ex-dark sider who once fought with him, pretty much like the sisters, and who was now in resocialization program that could be fulfilled in teaching Amazora.
Rikuri politely greeted the newcomer. Kaibi, however, remained sceptical, and demanded a demonstration. Touma deemed it reasonable. However, Measure Heart also had less pragmatic thoughts on her mind.
'That girl's proportions are like a golden ratio. Look at that belly! Those arms and legs seem almost too perfect. And not a gram of unnecessary lipids!'
She did not even know why she was so irritated at that.
Maidono followed through with the demonstration, and Kaibi's sceptical scowl slowly changed into wide eyed shock, when after spoons, table, and flowerpots, the cars parked down below and street signs followed in rising from the ground. Touma only stopped Maidono when she aimed her finger at the building in front of their own. He would like to avoid her ripping it off the ground, as he could possibly be blamed for unnecessary damage.
"So, how did the two of you meet each other?" Rikuri asked Touma and Maidono.
"Oh, I kind of threw a skyscraper or two at him, but we are good now" came the answer from the girl.
Rikuri tilted her head with unsure eyes, not certain of what she just heard.
Meanwhile, Maidono looked at Amazora and winked at her
"You must be my new... ekhm, and first... apprentice. Kamijou told me some pretty good things about you. Let's do this again. I am Maidono Hoshimi. I am level 4, but I have level 5 output of power. My maximum lifting limit is 100 000 tons. I can also fuse and severe inanimate objects, manipulate them remotely, and create tremors in the earth itself. "
"HOW MANY TONS?!" Kaibi actually screamed out in shock.
Kamijou understood her outburst. After all, 100 000 tons was weight of a giant cargo battleship, for a example.
Maidono's face could not be more smug.
"Oh, and there is one more thing. When I was in prison, I endlessly thought of a way I could perfect my ability. And I finally did it! I figured out something that will be the revolution of everything there is to know about telekinesis. I must show it to you, Kamijou. It's a-"
"LET'S GO!" Amazora could not contain her excitement "I want to lift cars like Maido nee-san... no, Maido sensei!"
"B-But... wait... ugh, fine, I guess there is no time to waste..." Maidono followed Amazora, but turned to Touma" Wait for this, Kamijou. I saved my first time for you!"
And with that, she disappeared on the balcony.
Kaibi and Rikuri's heads turned to Kamijou with the looks of utter and cold disgust.
"She talked about her ability. A-BI-LI-TY!" Touma yelled in terror.
'Maidono-san, phrasing! You are gonna get me killed!'
(MEANWHILE...)
Hamazura Shiage rowed cheerfully through the waters of Academy City's river. By his side, hidden under a small umbrella, was his girlfriend, Takitsubo Rikou.
"You were right, a date on the river is amazing" he said to Takitsubo. Girl smiled softly and let her hand intertwine with his.
Hamazura was beyond happy. The river was calm, the afternoon sun was shining, Takitsubo looked very beautiful, he had a day off, Takitsubo looked super cute, he felt calm and relaxed... did he already mention how amazing Takitsubo looked?
Nothing could ruin this wonderful moment. He leaned for a kiss...
And this was when a female hand grabbed the side of their boat from the outside.
"HOLYFRICKINGSHIT!" Hamazura screamed in rather unmanly voice. The boat wobbled dangerously, but finally, a young woman crawled over and fell onboard.
She was covered in mud and river plants. She was sticky and dirty. She even had a fish stuck in her voluminous hair, which was now wet, like all of her clothes. But most importantly... she seemed familiar...
"Mugi...no?!" Hamazura finally asked.
The girl coughed up some water and spoke:
"That... that little..."
What followed was the stream of vulgarisms so awful and obscene that Hamazura could only conclude that the wet and miserable woman from the river was in fact level 5, Mugino Shizuri.
She actually blacked out for a moment when she fell onto the water and drifted here before spotting familiar couple on the boat.
"Hello Mugino" Takitsubo remained in her usual phlegmatic self" Did you also decide to practice free floating on water, like me? It is really pleasant experience"
Mugino's nostrils flared and her eye twitched in anger. She raised a fist into the sky
"That girl... she will pay for this... and also..."
She touched her lips once again, and blush of frustration and fury dusted her cheeks
"You did not see the last of me, Kamijou Touma!"
'Oh, I see now. I don't know how but that kind of explains everything' Hamazura thought.
(3 DAYS LATER)
And so, the days passed by.
Amazora was busy all the time, besides the times to sleep, eat, and go to the toilet. Maidono assessed her abilities, and proceeded to train her, warning the procedure will be intense.
The telekinesis user rented a smaller apartment, right next door, so she didn't have to travel far. She also ate breakfasts and dinners with them. After a short while, her presence became a normal occurrence.
Everything proceeded smoothly. Well, besides the moment Kaibi put out the chopsticks for everyone as they were getting ready to eat. Maidono's pupils shrunk to small dots, and she spent almost half an hour crying in the toilet. Kamijou took this opportunity to educate the sisters on poor Maidono's complex regarding certain eating tool.
And then there was a meeting of Maidono and Hasako, which surprised both of them. The girls had rather different personalities, but both stuck with Touma for their own reasons, so they exchanged pleasantries. Yet Touma could not help but compare this meeting to the two colossal tsunami waves clashing with each other. He was amazed that the building did not start to shake from that much power in one place.
Finally, the fateful day came. Amazora took the earlier bus to get ready in school, while the rest of the group gathered to go out.
Kaibi and Rikuri got a day off to support Amazora, while Touma managed to get out with promise of yet another make up class. Hasako dressed into her finest clothing, and Maidono held custom made signs with "GO AMAZORA!" written on them. She also found time to somehow made similar T-Shirts for everyone.
"I take that you came to like our little gremlin" Touma whispered to a girl.
"She is a handful, I give you that. But also talented. It's been amazing to teach someone eager to learn" Maidono admitted.
"Everyone, the bus is departing!" Rikuri waved to them. Because of her big bust, visible letters on her shirt looked more like "GOA ZORA"
"Kamijou, I got to show you my perfected technique. With it, I can get us there faster than-"
"Not now, you can show me later! We have to make it!"
"Hmph, I couldn't show you for past 3 days. You will see, it's something special..."
(FINALLY...)
Amazora exhaled slowly. And with the following inhale, the signal for start was given.
She dashed forward, uncertainty leaving in the face of determination.
She ran and ran, and ran, until finally reaching the middle point. Then she concentrated...
And the frisbee, placed specifically for the competition, slowly rose up. With all of her might, she threw it, before resuming the race.
She was put through many competitions, but she was not afraid anymore. Better or worse, she braced through them all. Not to mention, she was leading the race for certain moments.
Under strict supervision of Maidono, she learned how to refine her telekinetic grasp. And while she still had long way to go, there was one thing she was very good at: blunt bursts of telekinetic power. It worked like shockwaves and it allowed her to move herself by repulsion of the very air she touched.
But all of the technicalities were not on Amazora's mind when, tired yet grinning, she found finish line in her sight. She took in the view of people that came to support her.
Touma and Rikuri were yelling words of encouragement with all of their strength. Kaibi was the most collected, holding the transparent in the air, however her face was filled with pride. Maidono used her powers to manipulate a few Amazora-supporting items, while jumping wildly up and down in excitement. Hasako clapped her hands and cheered on the girl as well, even if her gentle voice was largely lost in the noise of the crowd. Besides them, but not to Amazora's knowledge, some other powerful forces, few of them not human, also watched this small competition.
Amazora did not even know when tears appeared in her eyes. But when she crossed the finish line and crowd roared in applause, she knew one thing.
That feeling she felt earlier on in her heart... was attachment. The warm bond that she wanted to always have.
And when she thrown herself into the arms of Touma and her sisters, she knew that she was truly happy.
(LATER)
Ultimately, Amazora got 3rd place, which did not bothered her so much, because apparently it matched her status as 3rd sister.
She was swarmed with people who wanted to talk to her, and soon, Touma and the others lost sight of her.
After some time, the school emptied almost completely.
As Touma was coming back from the bathroom, he heard a voice:
"That was very nice show. I really like that girl now"
Touma jumped when he realized Magic Goddess Niang-Niang was standing right next to him
"You were watching?"
"Yes, I was. You humans have the fascinating ability to find meaning in even smallest things. Most of them won't say it, but we Magic Gods envy that in mortals. Your short lives motivate you to strive for your dreams, not matter how futile they might be."
"Yeah, yeah, mock us all of you want"
"Imagine Breaker, I am anything but mocking" Niang-Niang answered sternly" Picture a being who can do anything. When you imagine yourself in space with no limits, there is no telling if one is rising... or falling. That uncertainty is something we have to live with through all the eons of time"
She looked around at the empty football field.
"That girl... Amazora, was it?... reminds me a lot of myself, when I was younger. That energy, fire in her arms... love for weapons... secrets hidden in the heart and will to sacrifice it all for family..."
"Niang-Niang, where are you going with this?"
"You will see. For now, you have company"
She then disappeared without a sound.
Touma looked at the running group of people. Among them, besides Kaibi, Rikuri, Maidono, and Hasako, was yet another girl. Touma realized he met her before.
"Yume Asashima-san? What are you doing here?"
The girl was frightened and had tears in her eyes.
"Kamijou-san, Amazora-san... she is in trouble! Atsuki-san... she lured her to the roof and is fighting with her!"
In next moment, Touma and Kaibi was on their way to the uppermost level of the building. And then...
"You cheated! You had to cheat! I refuse to accept this! You tricked everyone"
"I didn't cheat, so deal with it, ASSuki!"
"GOKUSAI!"
They witnessed two girls struggling in a proper catfight. Atsuki, notorious rival of Amazora, who apparently could not deal calmly with her high score on the race, wanted to give the youngest Gokusai the piece of her mind.
Touma did not know what exactly happened between Atsuki and Amazora in the past, and he was sure that Amazora provoked the furious girl in more ways than one, but it was time to stop this.
"Hey, get away from my sister!" Kaibi shouted, preparing to karate chop the hostile girl's nape.
And then, a chain of events happened very fast.
Atsuki pulled Amazora's hair, which caused the girl to scream and put her hand forward. Then, a burst of pressure launched Atsuki flying straight into Touma's arms, momentarily blacking out. But the recoil of that telekinetic burst also send Amazora backwards... straight over the barrier of the roof.
Kaibi and Touma, who dropped Atsuki a second earlier, both pounced forward, their mouths opening and arms reaching forward. Yet they were far too late, as the small girl's body sailed over the railing and disappeared.
"AMAZORAAAAA!" Kaibi cried out in utter terror.
Touma bit his lip in sickening feeling of despair...
And then...
Something shot up from the ground. It was like a blur, moving in a straight trajectory. Then it slowed down, and ascended higher, until it was on their eye level.
Touma's mind stopped functioning. His jaw went slack. It was the same with Kaibi, who did not even registered that her sister was just rescued. They could just stared wide eyed.
"I told you... it was something special. It took many months of sweat and tears... but I discovered the ultimate technique of freedom..."
He understood. This truly was changing everything. The sight in front of his eyes left him in wonder and awe.
"Leonardo Da Vinci once wrote: 'Once you have taken flight, you'll decide. Gaze towards the sky, you'll know that, this is where your heart will feel at home'. So, I decided... this power...
Blond wig slowly fell to the ground. Amazora blinked and stared at the person who caught her.
She had short hair, dark brown in colour, almost going black, that seemed to form small, luscious, spike-like curls, even if it was kept in a bobcut. But the chestnut eyes and characteristic smile indicated only one person.
"... this power will serve you, Kamijou"
Maidono Hoshimi, with Amazora in her arms, was hovering in mid-air, 4 floors above the ground, with no additional physical support. She was floating in the empty space and remained so even after putting Amazora back to safety.
Her feet weren't touching the ground. She even flew higher which emphasized it.
From ground level, Rikuri and Hasako also sported utterly shocked expressions.
Because they just witnessed something thought impossible.
Maidono Hoshimi, the dramatic esper with chopstick complex, reached free flight, all in hopes to be of use to one boy.
The girl actually got a little bit shy with the amount of attention
"Heh, told you it was something special. Let's meet up in front of our apartment. I am gonna go to skyscraper level, to make sure no one will see me"
With that, she soared higher, and after a few moments, disappeared in the distance.
(HALF AN HOUR LATER)
Once they hurried back to their home, they found Maidono back on the ground. Each and every one of them bombarded her with questions, as they all headed back inside.
"How are you not a level 5?! Right now, you are a level 5 in everything but a title!" Rikuri exclaimed passionately.
"Well, you see-"
"You can fly?!" even Kaibi was emotional beyond herself "This is huge! I mean, no esper ever flew since the creation of Academy City, besides Accelerator and Kaki... I mean, number 2. This kind of power..."
"It's technically called levitation, but-"
"Yeah, I think Misaka and Gunha can put something together to move in the air. But to be able to fly so freely... this is incredible!" Touma put a hand to his head as he thought about what he just saw.
"Well, I am on a low-fat diet that is supposed to help me with that. It would be better if my bones were hollow but-"
"Maido-sensei, we must tell everyone! You are super awesome!" Amazora shouted with stars in her eyes.
"EVERYONE, SHUT UP AND LISTEN TO ME!" Maidono yelled out.
When everyone calmed down, she smiled and shook her head.
"This power is not as free as you think." she whispered" While yes, it allows me to move through 3 dimensions without restrictions and fly freely with decent speed, it has some serious limits. You know how Accelerator got injured and has time limited ability? My case is similar. Based on simulations and tests I conducted, I have only 10 minutes of free flight, 15 if I am willing to risk straining myself. After that time, my powers will shut down and I will plummet to death if I don't land earlier. Additionally, my lifting powers are greatly reduced, and I have to "cool off" for one hour, before being able to fly again. It is a very strenuous power for the mind. Also, take a look at my hand..."
Touma never noticed it before but Maidono had 2 small watches on her left wrist. One looked like an old-school altitude counter one saw in planes, the other was a timer showing numbers that were now returning to the number "15:00". Touma guessed that they were somehow connected to Maidono's AIM or nervous system, one of them showing altitude, the other time in which she engaged in flight.
"It's logical that there is also a limit of how high I can fly. I... never tested it before. This was my first actual experience and I... ekhm, crash landed here before you arrived. As you said, it's a great power, but could you please not talk about it? This time I got lucky, and practically no one was around. This is my trump card and if anyone knew about its limits, it would be rather bad. Also, you know how science in this city truly works. I don't want to be taken away and experimented on."
Touma, Hasako, and the sisters nodded. They all promised to keep it a secret.
Touma could only wonder in shock in what crazy things this revelation could throw him next.
(ELSEWHERE...)
As much as Maidono tried to keep it a secret, at least 2 people noticed her incredible stunt.
"Hmm, interesting, very interesting, so that's how it is" Accelerator grinned to the screen in his prison cell "That chopstick girl is smarter than she looks... I didn't expect anyone besides me to figure this out... guess hero really is a motivator, huh? I can alter vectors of gravity or affect the air around me to fly, but her method is just as creative, I have to admit."
"I don't get it, master" Qliphoth sported a confused expression" I am not expert in esper powers, but I thought telekinesis can't affect living beings. So how she manages to levitate her own body?"
Accelerator's pale hand reached for a can of coffee.
"She doesn't levitate her body. She forces her own AIM field to inverse and loop itself, condensing it, so it radiates equal amounts of pressure in every direction, and this pushes her body upwards. It's like when you're trying to grab something oily from both sides, and it slips upwards from your hands. Simply put, she is forcing the source of her power to lift itself up, and her body following it is more of a side effect. By manipulating the amount and directionality of pressure she emits with this inversed AIM field, she controls directions and altitude of her flight. Still... even if it's not on my level, this is a great amount of mental work and calculations to do. Good job in snatching someone like that, hero"
At the same time, certain magician with a body stolen from a demon laughed to heart's content.
"Finally, and to think that it came around in this form! The greatest freedom, freedom of flight, was obtained through usage of my thelema! Magical flight is easy to intercept, but the esper flight exceeded those rules! Hah hah hah, St. Peter's spell my ass! This power, born from determination given by Imagine Breaker, shall be the beginning of a new understanding. Magic Side, you can all suc-"
Then she looked down her body, and sighed.
"Tch, I keep forgetting I don't have it anymore..."
Night was falling on the Academy City after yet another crazy day.
But it was merely a medium stage for all the wonders that were about to come.