NOVEL NEXT Chapter 28: chapter 28
"Extended grown up edition"
"It suddenly makes all too much sense"
Rikuri then left. After some time, when Touma was starting to worry, the oldest sister emerged with bottle of orange liquid and...
Wearing a tight and revealing outfit, that looked like a fusion of a secretary with teacher getup.
"Class is now in session. While I would love to teach you something from the textbook, but much more interesting is the chemistry between us"
DRIP!
"Oh... blood again"
THUD!
"And there he goes once more..."
(AFTER TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES...)
"Huh?!" Touma shot up frantically "How long was I out?"
"More or less 5 minutes" answered Rikuri, taking a sip from the wine glass.
"W-What was that costume?"
"I thought you would like it."
"I... I did... but why and how?"
"T-That's irrelevant. I did it because you like it!"
"Rikuri-san, what are you drinking?"
Rikuri looked at orange liquid.
"This.. just something to help me loosen up. I don't want to get nervous."
Touma didn't manage to ask what could get Rikuri so nervous, because in the next moment lights went out.
"Well, either the storm took something down or Biri Biri is throwing a tantrum. In this city, it could be both. Rikuri-san, where are you?"
"Right here..." whispered a voice from the darkness.
"Don't worry, I will try to fix the light in just a second..."
"Oh, that won't be necessary. And I am not worried. Even if it's selfish, I hope you forgive me for pursuing my dream..."
"Your dream? What is your-mhmph?"
The flash of lightning illuminated the room's interior and shadowed the silhouette's of Gokusai Rikuri leaning forward and linking lips with Kamijou Touma, who stared at her wide-eyed in utter shock and surrealistic fascination. But the girl didn't let go. Instead, she pushed further, closing her eyes.
"Riku..." Touma tried to say something, but fell down to the floor, as the girl finally separated from him, and leaned over with smile on her face and flushed cheeks.
'Crap, something is going and it's going on fast. I should not give to my desires like that, I really shouldn't. I need to say something, anything, make her explain, before-'
Gokusai Rikuri kissed him once again. Only this time, she used her tongue.
It was super effective and Kamijou's brain found no further counterarguments.
He was valiantly fighting back, tried to understand, but it was a losing battle. So he gave in, and his hands found themselves around the back of Rikuri's neck, as they fell into a hug.
"Riku...ri..."
"More..."
Another long kiss followed.
"More... this is... more..."
And another. And yet another one.
The softness of Rikuri's skin, warmth of her lips, her whispering voice, smell of her hair, and touch of her hands all became a one sensation when Kamijou Touma's consciousness collapsed into the state between dream and reality, with only shadows of their home as witnesses.
(LATER...)
Touma's eyes suddenly opened.
The first sensation he felt was discomfort. After all, he was previously asleep on the living room's carpet and could feel the floor underneath quite well.
He looked outside. The storm passed, but now, the sun set and it was getting dark.
Why was he on the floor? And why was Rikuri napping close to him?
Rikuri...
Suddenly, his face exploded in red.
There was no way things he experienced, the memories he had before drifting away, were real.
He looked down, and to his relief, noticed that his pants were still on. The same of Rikuri's outfit.
But still...
"Rikuri-san?! Rikuri-san!"
The girl slowly opened her eyes and cringed slightly
"Ow! Not so loud... hey, Touma..." she said, addressing him in the casual manner.
"Rikuri-san... did you... did we really..." and then Touma told her everything he remembered from before the sleep.
However, the girl only tilted her head.
"Sorry, but my memory is kind of fuzzy. I remember dressing up for you and then... poof!"
"So then... was this all a dream? It felt so real! But that's... of course that was a dream! I passed out during that moment with teacher suit and everything since then was just in my head. Of course, of course, as if this Kamijou-san could be that lucky..."
"My head..." Rikuri groaned, before rising up and pressing her back against Kamijou's "I think I forgot about something important... it still bugs me a lot... I feel different than usual too..."
"Still, something about this seems very fishy to me. I think something is amiss... it was so real damn it!"
Hidden behind the door, Kaibi faceplamed very hard against her brow.
"Those two idiots... this moron's luck in love is as convenient in one moment as misfortune is inconvenient in the next"
(HALF AN HOUR EARLIER)
Kaibi finally returned home. She took off the raincoat, sighing in frustration.
"One more dead end. But I know I am making progress. Kakine, sooner or later, we will have that talk, even if it's the last thing I will do..."
"Hiya onee-chan" Amazora, with noticeable bedhead hair, came into the view.
"Hello, Amazora. Sorry, but I am rather tired and would like to-"
"Aw, but onee-chan, you missed all the fun"
"Amazora, I was having an important task outside, so whatever amazing activity was going on here, I am more than justified to proceed in my own plans. Now, if you excuse me and give some space-"
"Onee-chan was loving onii-chan!"
Kaibi tripped and it took all of her effort to regain balance, as she quickly spun around and lifted Amazora to her eye level, with her own irises glowing pink.
"Who did what with whom?!"
"Ssssh!" Amazora pointed to the living room" Well, I was with onii-chan and onee-chan, but then I got really sleepy. But when I woke up, onee-chan was all kissy with onii-chan and-"
"Okay, I kind of get the picture. The real question is did they... well, how do I say this to you..."
"You are curious if onii-chan gave onee-chan babies?! He didn't, I checked!"
"What the... what do you mean you checked?!"
"Tsk, tsk, tsk! You are older and you don't know that, Kai onee-chan? To see if someone made babies to a girl, you need to take down the panties and-"
"Okay, okay, you can stop now. Where did you learn all this stuff... at least pretend you are the innocent 11 year old you are supposed to be."
Then they both walked to the living room.
"They are both clothed. So I guess it was a petting make out... and what is this?"
Kaibi took up the bottle and sniffed it.
"Aphrodisiac? Seriously, nee-san? What a stupid move... you always have holes in the memory when you get drunk. And with this fool's tendency to deny all possible fortune... this time, Kamijou remembers, but the other party forgets... this would be hilarious, but... heh, I guess me and Rikuri are on the same boat now..."
"Are you going to tell them, onee-chan?!"
"No... no, I will not. Rikuri's memory will return after some time, and they surely did leave some traces of what happened here, we just don't see them yet. I am sure their faces when they realize the truth will be priceless, heh heh heh heh..."
"You have quite scary face, Kai onee-chan... are you jealous that Riku nee-chan was faster?!"
"I-I certainly am not jealous of my sister making out with Kamijou! I... I am mad! That's right, and t-there is nothing else to it. Why are you shaking your head, Amazora?!"
(BACK TO THE PRESENT)
"Welcome to the world of the living" Kaibi said, coming into the living room.
Rikuri and Touma got up.
'Well, even if that was a dream, there is no point in acting all weird. I will sort this out later on' Touma thought, going into the kitchen.
"Wow, that was certainly a unique day, in many ways. So, the best thing that we can do now is eat some delicious dinner!"
Just when Amazora, always eager to eat the cuisine a la Kamijou, cheered for the incoming meal, there was a doorbell sound.
"Who can that be, on such evening?!" Touma wondered, coming to the door. Upon opening them...
"Hasako? And Youen, too?"
"Hi"
"Hello, Kamijou-san"
"Hi, you two. What brings you here?"
"Don't you remember? It was my sleepover night. Kumokawa-san must have told you that"
"Hmm, she probably did. In any case, come in. What about you, Youen?"
"Well, Kaai left to have some alone time, and as I always feel strange without her around, I thought, why not come to you and eat that delicious food of yours?"
"Hah, you are at least painfully clear on your inentions..."
"Kun kun, kun kun..."
"Ha... Hasako-san, is there any reason why are you sniffing me?"
"You smell... of girl perfume. Its smell is all over you."
"Let me have a whiff too... wow, it's actually true."
"Kamijou-san, if you were lonely, you should just say so!"
"H-Hasako-san, are you angry by any chance?!"
"W-Why I would be angry?!"
"Because the entire hall is sprouting grass and vines. There are also daisies growing from our shoes."
"Honestly, Kamijou, you talk all big about meeting this new me, and even saw me naked since then, but then you pull out something like this. I thought we shared something unique"
"Youen, don't turn is into some sort of telenovela! Senpai is looking more and more lifeless by the moment!"
"You did something I was not aware of with Youen-san too?!"
"Isn't it getting hot in he... wow, the floor is starting to melt! I didn't do anything to them, and they didn't to me, so can we please don't make the expression 'the floor is lava' an actual thiiiiiing!"
After Hasako calmed down a little bit and the group moved to the living room. And then, for the first time looking at the guests in a calm state of mind, Touma actually noticed something unseen before.
"What are those clothes?!"
Hasako blinked and looked at the colourful hoodie, baggy jeans, glowing wristband, and painfully contrasting T-shirt with some kind of graffiti tag on it. Come to think of it, her hair was also gathered in two tails, which to be honest, didn't do her beauty justice.
"Maidono-san went shopping with me. She said that's what friends do for fun in those times"
"While I understand the sentiment and I am very happy that you two are having a good time, there is something I got to question when it comes to this clothing"
"Do I look bad?"
"I am not the most diplomatic person, but I say that you look so good anyway that this may actually beautify the clothes a little" Touma muttered, causing Hasako to blush in modesty "But still, you look like you ran away from a hip-hop teledisc. What was that chopstick maniac thinking?!"
(ELSEWHERE)
"Hapshoo!"
"Need a tissue, Maidono-san?"
"Thanks..."
Maidono was currently sitting in a cafe with 3 of her female classmates. After being released from jail, she also started to attend classes, as a part of her reintegration after work for the dark side of the city. Although she would rather be with Kamijou, or even his friends, over time it turned out that classmates were not so bad. Most of the time, that is.
"Oh? What are you writing, Maidono-san?! Is it... a love letter? Was this the reason why you were away from school for so long?! Don't tell me you had an affair or something?!"
"You really like to gossip, don't you? Well, for your information, it was much more complicated than that."
"But it did involve a boy, didn't it~?"
"So stubborn! Fine, I did meet someone. Someone very special, brave, kind of crazy, and ridiculously good in staying alive despite a lot of serious stuff he was through. When I was at my low point and my insecurity was holding me back, he dragged me back to my senses, and shared that he too was lacking something crucial for him. He never minded my chopstick problem. Never in my life have I felt so touched and changed by any gesture. I like him... a lot"
The other girls cooed at that.
"Sounds so romantic! Like a dramatic novel of love through adversity"
'Well, throwing skyscrapers and getting punched in the face IS pretty dramatic for sure'
"Does he know?"
"No, which is why I am working on refining a gift idea for him. This requires focus."
Few moments of silence, before...
"Dear Kamijou... oh, so his name is Kamijou? Interesting..."
"What the... when did you grab that..."
"Even though I can lift almost anything, you are the only one who can lift my heart and cause it to soar..."
"S-STOP! DON'T READ THAT OUT LOUD!"
"My hands are to serve you, and my lips are yours to take, whether you desire to feed me to our hearts content or ki-"
"GIVE THAT BACK!"
"Maidono-san, that is so cheesy and cute! I didn't think you had something like this in you"
"I AM COUNTING TO 3 AND THEN I WILL USE MY POWER, SO GIVE THE DAMN PAPER BACK!"
(BACK AT KAMIJOU + GOKUSAI RESIDENCE)
After the dinner, Rikuri stood up and clapped her hands.
"Everyone, I would like for you to test my new dessert. I want to improve my repertoire to sweets as well"
"Well, sounds promising at the very least" Kaibi, a fancier of sweets, tried to voice her opinion.
"Another way onee-chan can poison us. Yay..." Amazora was never late to put some salt on the wounds.
"Okay, calm down. I oversaw Rikuri's progress and I assure you she got better." Touma said, trying to sound as confident as he could.
"Then why are you sweating, Kamijou?" Youen smirked at him" You fear the unexplored territory of a dessert?"
Rikuri got her apron on and Touma instantaneously relaxed.
"No matter the actual result, nothing beats the attractive girl with motherly aura wearing an apron in the kitchen. There is just something enchanting about it."
Rikuri put a high-tech MP3 player on the kitchen table, which started to play some piano instrumental, and began to sing.
For all the songs Touma could expect, he would not guessed the one Rikuri picked. He was once again reminded how unorthodox the sisters were at time
Yes, Rikuri singing the drug encyclopedia from her genius chemist brain was not something Touma thought would go well with kitchen work. But it somehow did.
Finally, the dessert arrived. It was whipped cream with ice cream and some dark sauce
"It looks... good" Kaibi said, taking a few bites" And it tastes..."
Her face suddenly became blank.
"Rikuri-san... what did you add to this thing?!" Touma asked hesitantly.
"Liquorice and molasses with spices."
"WHAT?!"
"Hasako-san looks as if she could achieve nirvana any moment now." Youen commented, putting her cup away" Might as well feed this stuff to my cute buggies"
"Huh?! What I did wrong?!" asked the flabbergasted Rikuri
"You don't mix sweet and sour like that!"
"But you said that one has to mix contrasting flavours to bring up the best of the dish"
"I can assure you, it's completely different! This sauce is like a biological bomb!"
(LATER ON...)
"Did everyone recover?" Kaibi asked, trying to stand up, pushing herself on her arms, which actually shivered slightly as she did so "My tongue is about to fall off..."
"Little squirt's soul is about to leave her body" commented Youen, laying on her back on the floor, and looking sideways at Amazora. "Well, that sucked..."
"Don't say that. I believe Kamijou-san when he said Rikuri-san's general cooking had improved..."
"Yeah, but she never did desserts before, so that's that. Also, you would sound a lot more convincing if you weren't covering your mouth while turning green"
"I am not- hurgh?!"
"N-Not on the carpet! I ordered floor décor similar to what we had while working for SCHOOL. It was expensive as hell, so I will kill you if you puke on it, first esper or not" Kaibi pointed finger at Hasako, who took off to the toilet.
"Hmm, I am wondering... did anyone see Rikuri-chan and Kamijou?" Youen's question was a valid one, because both the boy and the eldest girl disappeared.
(ON THE OUTSIDE)
"Rikuri-san? Wait!"
Kamijou caught up with the poison assassin... well, catching up could be a strong word because she was resting after 100 meter sprint outside of their apartment building, but he nevertheless joined her and made her sit on the bench.
"Rikuri-san, that was my fault! I should have supervised you and support you back there, and instead..."
"So you admit it was that bad?"
"Well... it wasn't...traditional, for sure..."
"You don't have to soften the blow here. I screwed up. You know, I am a poison expert, but aside from drugging enemies, I also experimented on myself"
"What?! You've been drugging yourself on purpose?!"
"Your worry is very cute, but let me finish. You know how some people working with snakes can gain resistance to the venom via consumption of small amounts of the secreted liquid? Well, I did the same, only in more versatile scale. With a careful measurements, I subjected myself to various poisons and slowly built resistance to them. Right now, there are not many substances that can actually bring me down"
"That's certainly amazing, but how does this relate to your cooking?"
"It does, in many ways. You see, what others will feel as poisonous or even lethal, for me is only slightly queasy or simply bland. I don't suffer the effects of food poisoning, so when I make the mistake in cooking, it is hard for me to actually detect it. I can still experience when something tastes good, it just... reduces my experience of something tasting bad. And that makes me terrible cook for someone else. I am not all that fit, I tend to be clumsy, and I am a terrible cook. Maybe I am not suited to be a housewife after all"
Touma looked at Rikuri in contemplation, before exclaiming
"Then don't be"
"Huh?"
"You don't have to follow the traditional paths if it makes you worried. Times became really diverse, you know. Maybe you will not be a traditional housewife, but I wouldn't cross you out just yet. If this is something you want, then I can see how much you improved in those qualities ever since I met you. But if you want to know my opinion, don't limit yourself to some role. If someone will truly like you, they will do so for you, not for some role you are trying to fullfill. Gokusai Rikuri all on her own is so interesting, even without any roles or etiquettes attached. So what I am saying is, if you ever find that special someone, I don't have a shred of doubt that you will make him the luckiest man in the world"
Rikuri stared at him with lips slightly parted, and magnetic way in which her eyes seemed to penetrate his soul caused Touma to look away, blushing a little bit.
"My, my... thank you for such kind words"
"No problem. I actually still feel bad that I didn't help you if that was your first dessert"
Rikuri's lips stretched into a very devious smile
"Hmm? If you feel bad about, and I could issue a request for you, there was something I wanted to do... basically even since we reunited again"
"Really? Why didn't you say it before?"
"There was never a good occasion. So, if you want to do something to not feel bad for the dessert fiasco, please follow me..."
"Okay..."
"And do grab my hand"
"Huh? But..."
"Just do it"
And so, Rikuri led Touma by the hand. They walked for a long while, before finally arriving at...
"Brings back memories, huh?" Rikuri smiled, when they arrived at the bottom of multilayered construction.
Initially, Touma didn't understand, but even though construction seemed renovated, some of the walls remained charred.
Charred walls... parking garage...
"It really is" he replied, catching up.
So this was the place. It was here where he and Kumokawa Seria came to Mitsuari Ayu's rescue and where he met Gokusai sisters through the first time.
"Let's go up. I want to- waaah?!"
Seeing her pant from the long distance they covered, Touma got the idea and promptly swept Rikuri off her feet, into a princess carry.
"It's not like this isn't a welcomed development, but what are you doing?"
"There is no point in going there if you will be so tired. I will carry you so you can rest a little. My only question is... this parking won't fall with us, right?!"
"No, it was reinforced just enough to keep it from collapsing and right now, the city is debating its further fate. Thank you for carrying me. I am not too heavy, aren't I?"
"I will dodge this bullet of a question. I know now that asking about weight is basically suicide"
(SOME ASCENDING LATER)
"That's it... it's here I wanted to come"
Rikuri came down to the ground and took a few steps, contemplating the scenery of abandoned place.
"Why here, specifically?" said Touma, stretching his arms and also taking a look around.
The blond haired chemist looked around and smiled.
"I doubt that you would remember, being able to barely breathe, but this was the place in which we fought."
"Oh... right."
'I feel kind of awkward for not actually remembering, but well, it's the memories of the heart that truly count'
"It's rather special, right? Who would have thought that such an everyday mission will change so many things for us... Kamijou-san? Touma? Is everything fine" Rikuri stopped, when he noticed Touma staring distantly into space. Realizing that he was called, the boy came back to reality.
"Oh, it's just... being here reminded me of... Ayu. That's all."
Rikuri frowned and put a hand on his shoulder.
"We will find her and you will do what you do best: help her, for whatever reason she suffers now"
"I know, I truly believe that. It's just that... I really miss her. That's all."
Touma did not truly know if he understood his feelings correctly. After all, could one truly miss someone he did not actually remember? Can one long for the place his heart never known? He had no way of knowing. But what he did know was that he wanted Mitsuari Ayu to reclaim her peaceful days. He also felt guilty of their encounter on Ground Geo, even though he was certain he had good reason for attacking her. Yes, he was clearly protecting... someone.
"Well, let us not dwell on that any longer. Look, the holes Amazora-chan made with her gattling gun are still there. You can already see the stars through them. How magical! But I believe you would like to know what are we doing here... so, I believe that I forgot something important when I became drunk aphrodisiac earlier... it happens from time to time and I always remember after some period. But I felt that to jog my memory and to make the fullest of my time with you... I will allow myself to be a little selfish"
"What do you mean?"
Rikuri took out a small control panel and pressed few buttons.
"All settings put... autopilot set... and... let's go!"
After a moment, Touma had a distant buzzing. It was coming from the distance, yet grew closer by the seconds. And finally, few drones appeared, hovering in the parking space.
The buzzing died down, as one of the drones shot out the spotlight, while the other displayed very realistic looking image of the flames on what remained on the outer wall.
"What's going on?"
"Well, I just had a thought, ever since we started to spend time with each other... that I would like to see how it is to come back here and have a dance"
"A dance?!"
"Call it silly, but I want to have some important moment here after our reunion right here, in the place when I first met you. And what can be more sentimental and romantic than dance under the moonlight and starlit sky? I know that this place is not exactly the first that would come to most minds, but take it as my selfish whim. Kamijou Touma, will you indulge lady's fancy and have a dance with me?"
Touma stood there, in shock from what he just heard. After all, something like wasn't exactly your everyday request. But finally he smiled and nodded.
"Although I don't fully understand, if it's important for you, then of course I will dance with you. Besides, only a total idiot would dismiss a dance proposal from a beautiful girl. The only thing is... I am not really good in those sophisticated dances"
"Oh, that's alright. I will teach and lead you. Oh, and the flames are a bit for old time sake."
Rikuri came to Touma's side, spotlight following her, and clapped twice. The slow, monumental music started playing as she took Touma's hand.
"Grab me like this and just follow through with it."
They stayed close to each other and began to slowly glide across the charred floor, occasionally revolving around each other, as Touma moved back and forth, with arm over Rikuri's slender waist.
"Rikuri-san... what is this music?"
"A waltz. Juvenito Rosas, Waltz Sobre Las Olas. A bit more modern than the classics, but it's one of my favourites. Now, just focus on me and our movements. Relax and let me guide you. One, two, three, one, two, three. Forward, backward, step to the side, close the feet. A twirl, and once again..."
And although both of them were blushing, for a moment, they found each other simply relaxed. Even if it was only for a moment and they were to return after this dance, they were simply there for each other, enjoying the music underneath the starlit sky bathed in moonlight.
(MEANWHILE)
Kankyougami Hasako fell into sleep some time earlier. However, she was soon overcame by a nightmare that plagued her, until she finally woke up, drenched in sweat.
"No! Hah... hah..."
Kaibi, who was also napping on her chair, raised her head.
"Hmm? Something happened? Are you alright?"
Trembling, Hasako dried her wet forehead and slowly nodded. She got up, wobbling, and walked a few steps, trying to calm down.
Youen got to the neighbouring apartment, while Hasako, Kaibi, and Amazora waited for Touma and Rikuri to return. While doing nothing at all, they didn't even realize when they dozed off.
And then Hasako was attacked by a very familiar nightmare. She certainly did not expect it to occur now.
Then again, it always came when she was unprepared.
"I have to... clear my head. I will return shortly"
And with that, the Beginning Child left.
Kaibi wondered if she should follow, but finally decided against it. She didn't wish to be intrusive and also didn't need to worry about girl's safety either, with her kind of power. Although there was some curiosity about what could give Hasako such a fright, Kaibi decided to ask those questions on a later occasion.
Meanwhile, Hasako was already outside, trying to banish the scenes in front of her eyes.
'Mountain of flames... silver hair... despaired eyes... and coldness...coldness colder than depths of icy ocean...'
She was so absorbed in her thoughts that she didn't notice another woman on the sidewalk, bumping into her.
"Oh, excuse me" Hasako apologised, when the woman turned around.
For a moment, one strange second, Hasako thought that the woman recognized her somehow, and that her eyes scanned her like X-rays.
But that was surely a mistake. After all, Hasako never saw this blue-eyed woman, who had short blond hair and wore beige robe, ever before.
"That's alright. But is everything alright? You seem troubled."
"Really, it's nothing"
"Oh, don't be shy. Just us... well, girls. Have a sit"
Hasako could swear that they weren't near any bench, but in the next moment, the mysterious woman was somehow sitting on one.
Something about that woman baffled Hasako, but she couldn't quite say what.
"Your attire... are you a sister?"
That seemed to amuse the blond woman.
"Pfft! Sister! This body is more demonic than anything else... ekhm, but I guess I am a bit connected to religion, although it is truly a love-hate relationship. But enough about that. The more important question is what is troubling you."
The eyes of the woman had charismatic, magnetic energy. Hasako shivered, as she tried to think where she saw gaze like this before, but found nothing.
She knew it was strange, to talk with a stranger, but something in that woman urged her to speak. She felt as if she could tell her things normally hidden.
"I had... a nightmare. A nightmare of times long past. In it, I go through some of the worst parts of my life"
The woman in beige habit narrowed her eyes.
"Oh?"
"Long ago, I was chosen because of my talents and prominence for a certain... project. I knew a certain man back then. He took care of me and awakened my abilities. No one ever had abilities like that before, so I was ostracized and made a freak in all of the media. No one wanted to be friends with me. That man was creating a new place for people like me. Yet someone needed to be first. Because I thought he believed in me... that he cared... I tried my best even though it was draining me away"
If the woman was confused or surprised, there was no sign of that on her face.
"Go on"
"The efforts started to pay off. More and more people started to come into the city I was now living in. I was happy because I thought that finally, I will not be alone. But my power was far too mighty and vast. I guess that even that human feared me. One day, I was tasked to stop the sudden eruption of Mt. Fuji. When I think about it now, I know that this supposed 'eruption' was not a coincidence. But back then, I hurried to the scene and indeed, the volcano was on the brink of eruption of enormous magnitude. Using my power, I stood alone against it and tried to change the environment to soothe the volcano.
The lonely girl in the miko clothes stood on the cliffs of the mountain, raising her hands up as the sky began to cloud with dark ash. In the spirit of her faith, her calculations became a prayer.
'Hear my voice, mountain of fire,
I beg for you to withhold your wrath
So cover yourself in robe of life
Let your flames lie in rest
That's what my wish conveys
Listen to my plea and obey my call'
The trembling intensified as two wills of nature clashed for control. The wave of lave erupted from beneath the surface but the girl roared and the mountainside became a carpet of flowers. However, soon enough they burst in flames, and the panting girl unleashed yet another roar.
"Battling that volcano was extremely hard. My power can't cancel out something so mighty as the eruption, it can merely divert it or delay it. But because I was told that this explosion was unprecedented and that evacuation was incomplete, I fought and fought and fought, for 2 days straight. And finally, after persistent changes to the environment, I turned volcano dormant for some time. But when I came back to the city, exhausted and weakened... people started to scream at me. Throw rocks at me. And worse...
I didn't understand. For some reason, they didn't believe I was protecting them from the eruption, they thought I was causing it. I tried to reason with them, but they were too angry and furious at me. At this point, almost all 'regular' people of Japan resented me. It was as if I was hated by life itself. So, in desperation, after all defence failed, I fled. I ran to the man who gave me everything that made me one of the most powerful in the world, but also one of the most lonely. Yet I believed in his dream, so I thought that he will support me too
He invited me to drink with him, and I told him everything. He seemed to understand and he even comforted me. But when I, renewed with hope, asked him to help me to improve my relationships with other people, as his words carried certain weight, he smiled thinly and said
That won't be necessary. Without the uncertain factor, there won't be a risk. So I will ask you to leave the stage now
I understood then. That man, of power beyond imagination, set this up from the beginning. He never cared about me. He orchestrated this entire thing just get rid of me. Because I was too powerful for everyone's good.
He also managed to poison my food, causing a paralysis. And I was too tired from 2 restless days to truly retaliate. He could never really confront me for a long time. But then, he truly overcame me. The last thing I remember was his face, looking at me as if I was yet another thing on the checklist. Face of saint and sinner, of good and evil, of something beyond that... of a human. Simply human. Then, everything was cold. I was colder than anything, and this chill never truly left me. When I awoke 7 decades later, I was shattered, lost, betrayed, and alone. But then another man took my hand and gave me something I never had. I found someone that gave me the feelings of happiness, safety, compassion, and love. He and his friends taught me how to smile again. I got someone I can trust. I found a lover, a friend, and a wondrous new world. I thought everything ended back then and there was no hope for me. But thanks to so many people in this era, I can finally live again"
Hasako was almost out of breath, when she finished, before realizing what she just said.
"I-I am sorry, you must think that's nonsense, I will be going-"
"I think he wasn't ready"
Hasako turned to the woman in a beige habit.
"Excuse me?"
"I said, that man that took care of you, wasn't ready for you. He sounds as if he overestimated his capacity"
"That doesn't explain why he did all those things to me"
"Maybe he was scared. Scared of failing one more time. He sounds like a man that made a lot of mistakes. He didn't kill you, did he?"
"That doesn't make anything even remotely better"
The woman sighed and scratched her head.
"There could be many factors that led to those events. But I think... that he could hope for something more for you"
Hasako let out a rather haughty, out-of-character laugh
"What are you saying?! You think he actually cared about me?!"
"Cared may be a strong word... but maybe, just maybe... he saw potential in you. Even if he couldn't control you back then, he could have hope that in the other times, you could find higher purpose. I am not talking about simple happiness, it's something much grander."
"Why do you sound like you are justifying him?"
"I do not wish to sound like that. If anything, he needs to be condemned for his mistakes and miscalculations. What was the name of that man?"
Hasako slowly straightened up, while looking at the streets, lit by street lamps. They were completely alone.
"Aleister. Aleister Crowley"
The woman in beige habit shifted slightly on the bench, before looking at the stars and speaking once more.
"Like I said, this... Aleister, could have, in his own way, push things in motion and changed your life for better too"
"What... how can you say that?"
"Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law"
"I don't understand what are you-"
"I am simply quoting a book. You see, I strongly believe that humans should act upon their own will and shape themselves into their highest possible self. Did you consider, in all of that pain, that it was not you who was a freak? Maybe the people of your time weren't ready for the star you carried in your soul? The star that could shine brightly when touched by the right hand, the seed that could bloom only when time was ready. If he left you in that era, you would be an old woman now. Living your life depressed, friendless, and feared. That wasn't your true desire."
"So you are saying his actions were good? My happiness now is not on him, it's thanks to the boy who saved me. And even if he was indirectly the cause of my happiness now, what about pain he put me through before? There is no way I can forgive..."
Hasako trembled as her emotions were on the verge of bursting out.
"It wasn't good. He probably didn't think about emotions, he simply followed the course of action that predicted the highest chance of success... or least possibility of failure. I don't have any claims of goodness, I am just saying that sometimes things can appear differently from different angles. And more often than not, good intentions are twisted by mistakes and bad means. I think that if he could do it in another way, he would"
"Tch, that man never felt a shred of such emotions! Well, if he was sorry, WHY WON'T HE TELL ME THAT FACE TO FACE?! OH RIGHT, HE IS PROBABLY LONG GONE!" Hasako screamed in anger.
She and the blond woman faced each other, the older female closing her mouth and simply observing as Hasako's irises shimmered like multicoloured prisms, before she closed them, lowering her head and tightening her fists.
She could have expected many things. But what happened next exceeded those expectations.
She felt a hand on her head as the woman spoke
"You sure grew and changed a lot. You are right, it wasn't driven by goodness or compassion... yet I think the fact that he found you was not bad at all. I am not asking for forgiveness, and I am ready for all the hate... but I hope for you to know that even if things turned out the ways they did, you were always important. You are the original one, the closest to pure thelema that esper powers are based on. Your role was always crucial, it just took me time to realize this"
Hasako's eyes shot wide open when she fell back
"Wait a moment... are you-"
But the woman disappeared and Hasako found herself once again standing before the apartment complex.
'What in... that was so... that was so strange. That woman, how I suddenly started talking... and how in the end she sounded as if she was... no, but this impossible... but she clearly knew too much... this is so complicated... should I ask Kamijou?...'
Hasako thought those things while circling around, before finally coming to a halt. Her eyes became determined as she came back inside, ascended the stairs, before she was high enough to cast a glance in the direction where the most guarded Academy City containment facility was located.
'Maybe I should... but I have a certain idea about who might have some answers. It's high time for me to meet him face to face.'
(THE NEXT DAY...)
Touma stretched lazily on the couch, while listening to Rikuri humming yet another tune from her 'chemist repertoire', while preparing something in the kitchen
"You can't use your ability to make me more daring and test her new culinary invention, right?" Touma asked Kaibi, who was preparing herself for the day right next to him.
"Don't ask for the impossible. Measure Heart can only do so much" Kaibi looked at him with expression of amusement" Besides, when I use it on you, it usually gives the opposite effect. You run to the assumed danger, instead running away from it. I guess this is a hero complex for you"
"Such misfortune..."
Kaibi fidgeted a little bit before taking a deep breath.
"Kami... no, Touma... when I was on a search yesterday, I couldn't help but notice that there is a discount in a restaurant I like..."
"Hmm? Oh, yeah, there was something going on in that place of yours, but I don't quite remember what... I never paid much attention since I can't really afford it..."
It is... akhm..." Kaibi kept her attitude as prim and serious as usual, but her cheeks noticeably reddened " it's a couple discount. They also holding a contest for the best looking couple in a few days. The winner gets the monthly discount and a ticket to a Romantic Ride in District 6. So I was wondering... could we enter it... together?!"
When Touma looked at her, she quickly waved her hands.
"I-I mean, it's because it's a good way to save money for all of us and still go to that restaurant. Yes, it's not like I think of anything else, so don't get stupid ideas. Also, wait here for a moment"
She got up, gracefully went to the sister's room, closed the door, took the pillow and screamed into it for 15 seconds.
'What was that? Oh, why can't I regulate my own emotions properly and just get this one right? I actually love this guy and in a way, I feel those metaphorical butterflies, so why trying to do this is so hard?! I want to just drop into some hole, it's not like me at all. Being in love is amazing but it sucks so much at the same time, how the hell is that even possible?!'
After Kaibi returned to the living room, Touma gave back his answer
"Sure. I will gladly be a pretending boyfriend again."
"Great! Don't hold yourself back!" Kaibi felt dissatisfaction that he used word pretending. But at the same time, it was a step in the right direction and heart pulsed with warmth in triumph.
Although...
"What do you mean 'again'?"
"Oh, that? Well, there was this guy called Unabara and Biri Biri asked me to-"
But before Touma could (unintentionally) shoot himself in the leg, Amazora came running and jump onto his lap.
"Amazora-san... why do you look so grumpy?"
"Onii-chan is an idiot!"
"Okay, that doesn't really narrow down the possibilities!"
"Kai nee-san and Riku nee-san both got their moments of fun and kissy faces! I want to make kissy faces with onii-chan too!" the last part was said quietly so Touma didn't catch it.
The boy smiled, before pulling Amazora's T-shirt just above her belly button, inhaling deeply and then linking lips with girl's belly, blowing the air directly on the skin.
Amazora exploded into such a fit of giggling that she almost fell down the sofa.
"Oniiiiiiiiiiii-chahahahahahahaahahaha! Iaaaaaaaaaaah... you know I have tickles... hehehehehehehehehe... please, no more, Amazora will be a good girl, so staahahahahahahap..."
When Touma pulled back and straightened Amazora's clothing, the girl had a huge grin on her face.
"Kissies that make you laugh are the best..."
"You like that?" Kaibi asked in surprise.
"When we fought with auntie Hasako and we ate at the restaurant, onii-chan wiped my hands to clean them and I got the tickles. Ever since then, I think of onii-chan every time I laugh like that. So I want to laugh more to think about him!"
Kaibi couldn't help but smile at Amazora's surprisingly (for gattling gun maniac) pure logic behind the statement.
Touma ruffled Amazora's hair and spoke to her
"If you want to spend time with me, the next time I will find some space, we will go out for the entire evening and do something you want."
"Anything?!"
"Assuming I can do it or afford it, yes"
"I love my onii-chan!"
Touma stumbled backwards when the girl threw herself on his neck. He then turned to Kaibi
"Want to grab something to eat? I mean, something that is not half-toxic"
The girl grinned back at him.
"I thought you never ask"
When Rikuri finished, she found empty apartment and a note.
'We left to eat. Come join us in the usual place.'
"Oh mou~, when will my efforts be truly... oh, there is something else..."
'When it comes to testing your effort, I have a great solution. My old roommate is arriving in just 3 days. She has the stomach that can tank everything, she could probably ate a radioactive plasma and just burp. So just wait for her and she will appreciate you feeding her regardless of your level of cooking'
Rikuri's eyes lit up, as she went to prepare for going out
"Ho? That girl Kamijou talks about sounds interesting"
Then, Rikuri's phone rang. She looked at it and frowned. She did not know this number.
Even so, she decided to pick up.
"Hello?"
As she listened, her face slowly changed, with eyes widening and lips twisting in disbelief. She knew that voice.
Although she never thought she will hear it while in this city.
(LATER, IN THE EVENING)
Kankyougami Hasako went to the prison alone. That was the deal.
She was scanned, searched and probed many times. Although technology made her nervous, she endured it because of her determination to see one person alone.
Although she didn't know what she will say yet, she knew that this conversation will be important for her.
And finally, she stood before the visitation center. Completely empty, except for one person.
"Hello, Accelerator-san. It's nice to finally meet you, the current strongest and leader of this city" Hasako stood in front of the #1 esper, separated by glass.
"It's an damn interesting from my side as well, senpai. Do you enjoy how the city changed?" Accelerator answered, not breaking the eye contact but also allowing himself to relax in the chair.
"I certainly don't mind the change in people"
"There are few cases of mild usefulness. Unfortunately, majority of them is still comprised of idiots"
"Truly? Well, I guess I am in luck then"
Their voices were calm, but there was a tension that only occurred in meeting of people with such might and personality. The current strongest esper of new era and the very first, strongest female of old era. It was a wonder why the place didn't crumble from the very pressure of power.
"So, what do you want?"
"I want to discuss something with you. I think only someone with your power, experiences and authority can understand..."
"You know, whenever this generation talks about power, they leave me out surprisingly often. If I wasn't so evolved, I could decide to take it personally. Well, isn't this quite a reunion for all of us? Me and my greatest masterpieces, the one to start it all, and the one to reach the peak... you wanted to talk about me, my Child of the Beginning... or should I say Hasako-san now? All of this made me realize that because of that delightful skip in time, you are only 50 years younger than me despite your looks. Now that's something not everyone can say. Oh, don't look that surprised Accelerator. Is it that strange for a former Board Chairman to check on how the new one is doing on the job?"
They didn't see anyone get inside. Not even one molecule of air moved.
But somehow, the blond woman in beige habit was sitting on the chair in the corner of the room, her long legs crossed and a mischievous smile on her face. Eyeing both of their surprised faces, she spread her arms wide open
"Guess who?!"