NOVEL NEXT Chapter 31: chapter 31
In the heavily guarded prison, Accelerator and Hasako faced the blond woman in a beige habit.
"I-It's you... how did you get here?!" Hasako cried out, but Accelerator raised his hand, which caused the girl to quiet down.
"From what you said earlier... Aleister? The fuck are you doing, strolling around in the body of that demonic bitch?"
"Oi, watch it. Even if Coronzon was a major bitch, she had... and still has... a great body. You wouldn't imagine how fascinating are those things. I miss my supreme staff of carnal desire though"
"I didn't ask, didn't want to know either..." Accelerator groaned, before looking at Hasako" Oi, grandma-child? You okay?"
Hasako got paled and trembled, looking at Aleister in Coronzon's body, who looked back at her with small smile on her face.
"As I said... you surely grown"
"Aleister... is that really you? But... how?"
"Oh, it's a very convoluted story. After a grave battle, I made a little switcheroo with my enemy and hijacked her body. It could be little misleading, I admit, but isn't it great?"
"If you are really him... then... what were the first words you said when I was first presented to you?"
Aleister's smiled grew wider.
" I said 'This is a new beginning, bright new rising star transcending all the rules that shackled me before'. Quite nostalgic, isn't it?"
"Somehow... it really is you..." the girl muttered, lowering her head.
Silence stretched across the room, although Aleister spoke once again
"Huh... that wasn't actually so..."
The change came instantly. The room's walls covered in hoarfrost, and everything on the side of the visitors' side, excluding Hasako, froze to the knee level of ice.
Aleister appeared more curious than scared when Hasako slowly walked across the room towards him/her.
"7 decades... 70 long years! Do you know how much I suffered?! How scared and lost I was?! You abandoned me! The only thing I felt was cold, which by the way was hundred times worse than my own arctic environment. Because it permeated every cell of my being. Even if I wasn't conscious in proper way of using that term, my brain was going haywire, trying so hard to stay alive and sane. I was broken. You broke me, Aleister. The man I trusted, the man I considered support and guidance. I confided in you, I respected you! You cannot imagine what it was like back then! If not for the care of others from this time, I wouldn't even have an inkling of chance to come back to my old self. And now, when I see you alive after all those years..."
The environment changed again and the prison floor cracked, pulsing with heat, as temperature rose again.
Hasako's eyes didn't stray from Aleister as she rose her hand. She roared but just when lava erupted from the floor...
The glass was shattered with ease. With a vibrant sound, the lava wave was deflected, scattering all over the place, yet not hitting the three people gathered. At the same time, Hasako looked below to see Accelerator smirking at her while holding her arm.
"Look, it's not like I care all that much what happens with that old, body-swapping prick. But don't fight right on my doorstep. If you can't keep a god damn composure, get the hell out! This prison can barely contain me and it was a pain in the ass to oversee construction of my cell. So don't go blasting your power all over the place."
There was a noise from the outside and Anti-Skill officers came running to the space when entrance once was.
"There was a breaching alarm and... woah! What the hell-"
"This is a private affair. I didn't go out because I wanted and it's not like I am going anywhere, so piss off for now!" Accelerator snarled back at them.
He tapped his foot on the ground and with small rumbling, earth spikes came from beyond the floor, blocking the passageway.
He turned his attention back at Hasako
"Now, if I beat that pretty face of yours black and blue, I wouldn't hear the end of it from hero. I also tolerated you in the city and I had no reason to change that policy But if you act up, I assure you that I will crush you"
"Oh?! Are you sure you would like to challenge me? No one ever dared to do this before"
"You never met me before, actually. Times changed and so did the strongest"
The boy and the girl stared at each other. Unknown to the other, each was assessing the situation if the conflict actually came to pass. Given right preparations, Hasako's abilities were nigh-limitless powerhouse of raw natural force. Yet Accelerator's vector manipulation was on another level altogether, both offensively and defensively, especially since he touched magic. However, even if he got the advantage, Beginning Child had few tricks up her sleeve that could become a hindrance, like creating low-oxygen environments, regardless of her eventual, potential loss. Accelerator was sure of his abilities, but if they both went all out, the City, or maybe even Japan could not survive. That was just the level of scale those two esper monsters were dealing with right now.
Finally, Hasako sighed and environment in the room around them returned to normal.
"I am stopping right now, but not because I fear you. Rather, I would not be able to face the man I fell in love with if I betrayed the ideals that he believes in."
Accelerator let her go and Aleister raised an eyebrow
"Ho? That's something unex-... well, given this boy's influence, it could be somewhat expected honestly"
As Hasako approached the woman in beige habit, Aleister raised hands into the air.
"For the record... everything I said during our previous conversation is true. You may not believe it, but I came a long way since we last parted ways. However, I am also prepared for you to continue to hate me"
Hasako faced Aleister... before slapping the woman across the face. The founder of Academy City said nothing and didn't retaliate, as the girl whispered.
"It will take time... for those feelings to completely disappear. I don't know if we will ever be able to get back to what we had back then... but..."
She then bowed slightly before looking back at the blond woman.
"But from respect for Kamijou-san's values, I am willing to tolerate you and give you a chance, however small it might be."
"Great. Now that's settled... we might as well get some information going around." Accelerator sat back on the chair behind the hole in the glass "Although I assume that you wanted to talk about Aleister, this sudden development makes me interested in some things regarding two of you."
"To be honest, I am also very curious about you Accelerator-san. And my questions about Aleister still stand... no, there are probably more of them now..."
"And I will just enjoy this reunion! So many emotions!"
"SHUT UP! THERE WOULDN'T BE ANY PROBLEM AT ALL IF YOU DIDN'T SCREW WITH US IN THE FIRST PLACE!"
(AFTER THE THREE-WAY EXPLANATIONS...)
"So you hurt Accelerator-san as well?" Hasako sent deathly glare towards stoic Aleister. She gained explanation of his past, that was vague enough to conceal presence of magic for now, but enough to temporarily satisfy her.
"Tch, damn right he did. Making me a fucking centrepiece of a plan after dragging me through shitty hell of a childhood and having guts to look smug about it" Accelerator also glared at the magician.
"Well, I think we can all agree that all of us were through some forms of hell. It's not a competition" Aleister waved his hand" Come to think of it, both of you gained title of the strongest, suffered because of how powerful you were and were manipulated through my plan... you are very alike. Like spiritual brother and sister, separated through decades of history"
"Now, that's rich!" Accelerator laughed" We are nothing alike. We came from different times, look anything but similar, and there is vast difference between our exp... wait, why the hell are you sparkling and staring at me like that?!"
"It's just... it had to be awful" Hasako looked at him, with emotional gaze containing compassion and worry" It must be awful, to not have a family... I lost mine too"
"Don't look at me like that, it will make me sick. Besides, I found a family."
"Really?"
"Yeah. Two obnoxious women, one asshole of a girl, and very loud brat that loves to be everywhere and do everything... which is actually the best thing in this shitty world" Accelerator allowed himself to show a shadow of a smile "It's not unlike you, right?"
Faces of Touma, Kumokawa, Maidono, and others flashed before Hasako's eyes as she nodded.
"Yes. For the first time in a long, long time... I am not alone. I found home, someone who can help me navigate this world, a best girl friend, but most importantly, fell in love with someone."
"There you have it then"
"I am happy for your good luck too. But... you are like my overpowered, spiritual, non-blood related little brother on #1 spot. Can you call me 'onee-chan'?"
"I would rather die."
"That's exactly what a younger brother would say!"
"Fuck off"
"Can you call me 'mommy' then?" Aleister chimed in, but was met with vehement:
"NO!"
from both parties.
Hasako got up, looking at two of them.
"Extraordinary system of laws... Accelerator-san's fight with Kamijou... his power and circumstances... and the way both of you went on when I was sleeping... it's honestly a lot to take in and I think I will make the right call if I go and rest through with it. I will come back to find you again though"
"As long as you don't snap like today" Accelerator pointed at the devastated room.
"I think you are the last person who should lecture someone about destruction in anger" Aleister lazily pointed at the albino, who withstood his glare with dignity. "Oh, and Hasako-san. There is someone else I would like you to reunite with before you go. Accelerator, would you clear the way to let him through?"
#1 esper shrugged. With another tap of his foot, the earth spikes were shattered, revealing the exit once again... and in it, a figure of a dog. Not a regular dog, but the one smoking a cuban cigar.
"A dog? I don't understand... and why is he smoking-"
"Good evening, my dear" came a voice from synthesizer on dog's collar, causing Hasako to frantically jump backwards.
"It talks?"
"I identify by 'he'. I have to admit, you grew into a beautiful young woman with a strong sense of good romance. As for my speech, don't be so surprised. After all, you knew my masters, the 7 original Kiharas, almost as well as I did..."
The images of surgical table with straps, marks of dried blood, and people behind the glass windows watching her. They were the memories she didn't really want to recall, flooded Hasako's brain and she fought off the wave of nausea. Instead, she focused on the dog.
"There was a labrador puppy with them... Noukan-chan? But... that was decades ago... how are you still alive? What did they do to you?"
"It was so long since someone used 'chan' with my name... They improved me, so to speak. After you were put in cryostasis, they gave me human intelligence, ability to speak, and drastically increased my lifespan. Can't complain, really. As for my appearance today, I just thought it would be in spirit of a good romance to introduce myself. As you said, the last time you saw me was when I was merely a small puppy. So be not afraid, dear child"
"I see... that's truly a lot to take in... now, I even more feel the need to think this through in solitude. So, I bid you farewell then..."
Hasako took a few steps towards the exit, before clapping her hands and turning once again towards Aleister and Accelerator
"But before I go, one more crucial detail..."
Her multicoloured eyes became cold and once again, that invisible, unconsciously felt pressure of power descended upon the room. Although Hasako didn't move, her voice carried on with a hollow echo, as her hair fluttered around ever so slightly. That look and this much power in the air would make many weaker run away, but Accelerator and Aleister stood their grounds with ease.
"I have all the intentions to cooperate with you. However, if you think that you saw my most powerful, you would be foolish. Back then, I didn't have anyone around me, and now when I do, I am still ascending new heights. If something were to befall on Kamijou-san or my friends through your machinations, I assure you, that you won't like to risk a wrath of mere broken-hearted woman. The only reason I didn't raze this city to the ground when I got out was because of kindness Kamijou-san showed me, and later love I started to feel for him. Kumokawa-san taught me many valuable things and Maidono-san, despite how different we are, became my best friend. Not to mention Ayu-san who woke me up in the first place. Because of them and others, I can call this city home now. So don't take them from me. I am sure that as someone who found family after lifetime of loneliness you can understand this sentiment, Accelerator-san. I am not threatening you or anything like that. I am simply stating facts that needed to be said. There... good night to you both."
And with that, she was gone. Accelerator and Aleister exhaled, not knowing they were holding a breath. Accelerator let out a bark of laughter, as he leaned on the swivel chair.
"For delicate-looking ojou-sama, she is something else. Even though I am stronger than her... the hero surely got himself some badass bitches"
"Tell me about it. I forgot how intense she was when someone managed to anger her. Like a completely new person..."
"Hey, Aleister. What was with the standing act?" asked Noukan
"Hm?"
"You could easily avoid or deflect those attacks. Why did you let all of this play out?" Accelerator also enquired.
The woman also got up, dusting off her clothes.
"Well, for what it's worth, I didn't give her space to act up back then... consider giving her the opportunity to let all those emotions go a form of atonement, however small it may be"
"Sure... also, it's actually quite disturbing to think your pervy, 130 years old ass is within that body..."
"You know, if you can't get used to this female form, you can always call me daddy. I've been called that in many contexts and on many occasions during my Golden Dawn days..."
"Again, I didn't ask and certainly didn't want to know. And I am not calling you that, ever, period, done!"
(IN TOUMA + GOKUSAI APARTAMENT)
Before heading to bed, Kamijou Touma needed to make a phone call. He dialled an internal number to Church of Necessary Evil's phone desk. After 2 signals, it was picked up and the young female voice muttered:
"Hello, this is Necessarius HQ. If you don't know what that means, you phoned to the wrong place. If you do understand, please entertain me because it's so boring out here..."
Touma wasn't sure if he head correctly. But he still answered.
"That voice... Sozty?"
There was a crash on the other side of the line, as if the girl fell on her butt alongside the chair. After a few seconds, she responded, in a much more lively voice.
"हे भगवान [Oh God]! Kamijou, is that you?! Wow... it's good to hear you..."
"You surprised me, it's been so long... I didn't see you since the Agni Festival Fire and Brahma Astra incident" Touma said, equally shocked "What are you doing in Necessarius? I thought you and your sisters escaped"
He could almost imagine Sozty Exica, a middle-school Hindu magician who fought both against and alongside Touma, smile to herself as she kicked her feet on the table in the room on the other side of the world.
"We did escape, but your tall anglican friend, Stiyl, found us again. He took us by surprise. Quite frankly, he wanted to keep an eye on us after... well, Ureappady's Astra almost annihilated the planet."
"He did? That idiot, when I see him again, I will-"
"No, he was much more reasonable than before. He proposed for us to seek refuge with Anglicans and undertake works in the organization. I heard that a group of catholic nuns did same thing in the past. In truth, Stiyl wants to have eye on my sister. He didn't seem in a mood to really negotiate, so I kind of live in London now for most of the time. Sister didn't actually complain all that much, but I would like to be in Japan or India to be honest"
"Why? Did you meet someone nice in Japan?"
Loud coughing fit occurred on the other side of the line.
"M-Moshi Moshi? Sozty-san?!"
"That was... a biscuit. British made them really dry, you know..."
Touma didn't sense the flustered tone in her voice and carried on.
"So you are doing fine?"
"Yes, fine as we can be. Ureappady is out, somewhere, and usually gives me only fragments on what she is doing. But she is healthy and happy. Ever since that Brahma Astra incident, she got a lot better. She even talks about you, from time to time. I think you gave her new inspiration in life."
"I do my best..."
"As for me, I try to practice my own Astra, but usually, I am delegated to pick up phones. The beautiful girl in bloom of her age should not be confined to such boredom! And even if Stiyl lets us stay here, it's not like he is a beam of sunshine. I think he is still mad at me that I managed to burn him in that tunnel."
"Well, I know what you mean... maybe you should go on vacation then?"
"Vacation? Really?"
"Yeah, why not? If they had a problem with that, you could find someone to oversee you..."
"Like you?"
Touma blinked, surprised with the girl's inquiry.
"I guess... I could be someone like that. If you promise me that there would be no cosmic arrows, scorching fires, and cabal massacres involved, I am in."
"You are quite demanding! I just think that we can hang out. You know, normally, to spend time together and catch up. Our first meeting wasn't exactly friendly, but you helped me and my sister many times in short time we spent during that incident. I think Necessarius giving us a chance is also thanks to you."
"Don't exaggerate, I am not heroic or badass. I am a simple high schooler."
"I don't know, pinning girl to the wall and saying something along the lines of 'I will not allow you to die' was rather badass."
"Don't twist facts, I only did that because you were about to take your own life seconds earlier. Preceded by hell you caused by using your Hindu magic. It's a good thing that we ended up fighting for the same thing in the end."
"Well, it was pretty scorching hot situation... you can say I was all fired up."
"And now you're making puns about the fact that you almost died through Agni Astra? What's with that sense of humour..."
"As much as it is fun to talk with you like this, didn't you phone for some specific reason? This is international call that is going on your tab, I am afraid..."
"W-What... fukou da!" Touma wailed, as Sozty chuckled to herself" Well, I am phoning about Index's arrival. She still plans on arriving tomorrow? I would have called her directly, but she doesn't know how to use phones properly at times."
"Yes. From what I've heard, she is already preparing for it. She will be accompanied by Saint of Far East too, so expect company of two on the airport"
"Kanzaki is coming too? Well, thanks for the confirmation. I will be off then. Take care... you don't wear that ridiculously revealing sailor uniform regularly?"
"I-It wasn't ridiculous and it was only a disguise for that time! I was just a little bit misguided when it comes to your culture, that's all. Anyway, we have a deal! One time, I will come for a vacation and visit. I will normally don't follow ethnical stereotypes, but I am ready to demonstrate you how my mother's super special curry recipe can beat your japanese version"
"I never cooked a curry from India. Can you teach me?"
"You bet! Oh, and Kamijou! It didn't occur me back then but there is something I need to say to you. Something that I took from our time together and how you helped me so much in such a short time, not allowing me or my sister to die."
"You want to say something? What is-"
"मैं आपको बहुत पसंद करता हूं
[I like you very much]"
There was silence.
"Sozty-san, don't toy with me! We both know I don't speak Hindi! What does this mean?"
"I might just tell you one day... or change it a little bit, who knows..." the girl answered with a new giggle. And with that, she ended the call.
"Honestly... how to understand women, that's the real mystery of the universe... and even when they aren't speaking in foreign languages..." said the misfortunate boy, marching to bed.
(NEXT DAY)
New day was rising in Academy City. Many people welcomed it in different ways.
Sogiita Gunha cheerfully set out to the morning patrol combined with jogging.
Shokuhou Misaki mumbled sleepily before losing her balance and falling out of bed with an angry yelp.
Misaka Mikoto was engaged in electrocuting Shirai Kuroko, who managed to sneak into the bed during the night.
Mugino Shizuri walked up into the room with all of her ITEM teammates present and picked up her usual salmon set before sitting down with the rest.
"Morning"
"Hi Mugin... oh?! What... what happened to you?!"
"What the fuck do you mean with 'what happened'? I am going to eat breakfast!"
"No, I mean your face and..."
"Is there something wrong with my face, Hamazura?!"
"N-No, just... did you sleep well last night?"
What Hamazura meant was the fact that although Mugino always took time to comb her long, tea coloured hair, this was apparently not the case today. Instead of usual silky smoothness, Meltdowner sported impressive bed hair, combined with slight bags under her eyes. It wasn't all that much, but ITEM leader usually emanated a model-level of beauty and something before their eyes just didn't seem normal.
"Mugino... does this have something to do with the fact that Kamijou was busy again?"
Mugino took a sip of coffee, before snarling back
"Maybe. Or maybe not."
"Or the fact that when you saw him with Kongou-san, I had to throw plates for you to shoot meltdowner at. Or the fact that you bought books about dating recently. Or..."
"Get to the fucking point" Mugino muttered, beginning to cut her salmon into pieces.
"Mugino, I just want to say that..." Hamazura gulped, looking at Takitsubo" if you need to talk with us... we are here for you."
"Talk? Why would I need that?" Mugino asked her elegant eyebrow, not turning away from the salmon.
"Well, since we are in a fulfilled relationship, but circled around it for quite a while... we thought that we may be able to relate... and help you in your own problem..."
Mugino stopped cutting... slowly looked at him... and then burst out laughing.
"You? Help me?! I think you got something backwards, Hamazura! I don't need help, especially in romantic life. I am THE Mugino Shizuri and I can have any man of this city if I damn wanted to. Kamijou just needs to stop being an idiot and face reality. I just need him to know the food chain, it's just that. I am far superior, so I certainly do not care that others spend time with him. Our lives are our own, so date them, sleep with them, marry them, I don't fricking care! You hear me?! I don't care, so I certainly don't need any bloody consulting!"
SCREECH! Mugino stopped when she noticed that in her outburst she started to cut through the plate itself.
"Tch, you know what, I lost appetite. I will go shower first"
"Mugino, wait..."
But the older girl already got up and walked into the bathroom, slamming doors with a loud bang.
"I swear, she is so stubborn when it comes to this... it also increases life threatening atmosphere around here" Kinuhata muttered, taking a bite of her toast.
"They say love is similar to grief in some cases... you know, the 5 phases..." said Takitsubo.
When Hamazura thought about it, his girlfriend's comparison was not all that abstract.
Mugino was always the one with tendency for mood swings, but recently they got really varied. Sometimes, she was in a very good mood, maiden-like even. She put extra attention to her looks, bought new clothes, cooked, hummed to herself, and took ITEM to eat in a fancy restaurant. Other times, she was so agitated and angry, that even a small itch on her own skin could cause an outburst of anger, combined with beams shooting in every direction. During that, it was best to be as far away as possible.
Many times, Mugino denied her new feelings, although not exactly in a tsundere-like fashion. There was aforementioned anger. Other times, she was muttering to herself, as if trying to rationalize her own emotions. She also had lapses of more apathetic mood, during which she laid down with a flower in her hand, peeling off the petals (although she used phrases 'kill' or 'not kill' instead of 'love' and 'don't love'. As far as Hamazura understood, in some twisted fashion, 'not kill' equalled 'love'). Finally, she just sought Kamijou through the town.
"I think the problem is..." Takitsubo continued, contributing a lot more than she usually did" Mugino is really prideful and also... not used to sharing anything with anyone."
"Yeah, she usually just takes what she wants" Kinuhata agreed with AIM Stalker.
"So, if I get it right... Mugino is pissed because Kamijou shares his attention with other girls, while Mugino would like that attention on her... but on the other hand, she is interested too much in him to risk him not wanting to be around her anymore if she did something to other girls. It's a little bit of a stalemate for her honestly. Either she accepts this or she will be stuck in this loop of frustration" Hamazura concluded, looking at the bathroom door.
Under stream of water, with her hair wet and smooth skin steaming slightly, Mugino punched the shower's wall with the side of her fist, while she looked down, her cheeks slightly red.
"Damn it, Kamijou" she muttered through gritted teeth" What the hell did you do to me?"
(MEANWHILE IN TOKIWADAI)
"Good morning, Wannai-san"
"Likewise, Kongou-san"
Two girls greeted each other as they sat down to the morning tea.
"Where is Awatsuki-san?"
"She is charged with cleaning the pool, I am afraid"
"I suppose nothing can be done about that..."
Wannai glanced at Kongou, who was watching the morning sky with a small smile on her lips.
"It's almost time. For Kamijou-san's roommate to land, isn't it?"
"It is indeed. I am so glad that darling spoke to me. I was more than happy to get his friends first class tickets"
"Kongou-san... you really love him, don't you?" Wannai asked, and Kongou looked at her questioningly.
"What brought this about right now?"
"It's just... few things became clear to me. In that moment in the restaurant, you wanted to pay for Kamijou-san, didn't you? But he wanted to hear the price and mustered whatever pride he had, even if he knew that he couldn't pay up. That aside, you pay for him when you spend time together, right? And also... I am curious about our gift. The very idea of it was rather daring... and I can't deny that I was a bit embarrassed. But you went through without any hesitation"
Kongou put her teacup down, before addressing her friend
"When it comes to money, I have more than enough funds to spend on both of us. If he ever establishes himself financially, we can think of sharing, but for now, I am more than happy to pay. This time in the restaurant was actually his insistence, probably to cover my image in front of the eyes of my friends. My silly darling... what sort of future betrothed would I be if I didn't spoil him at least a little? And as for the photobook... as a model, I don't shy away from using my body to my advantage. Besides..."
Kongou blushed a little, cupping her cheeks in her hands.
"... whatever he saw there, will only be amplified as I become an adult. So I only meant to give him a preview, a starter, before we will be able to... engage in a main course in more intimate, secluded setting..."
"K-Kongou-san!"
"I mean, it's... don't look at me like this, Wannai-san. I-It's not like I imagine it all that frequently!"
But she was fooling nobody there.
(AT ACADEMY CITY'S MAIN AIRPORT)
"Is this her?!"
"No"
"Maybe this person?"
"No!"
"Or maybe..."
"Amazora, from what I know, Kamijou's roommate still has to pick up her luggage. I swear, if you ask that question one more time, I will gag you!"
Kaibi sighed and looked at Touma who stood by her side, with transparent "INDEX" and Othinus in his pocket.
"I am sorry for Amazora. She got really excited today."
"No, that's alright. I am happy that she is looking forward to meeting Index. If anything, I am more nervous one here. Oh, and sorry about dragging you here so early"
Kaibi waved her hand.
"What are you talking about? Meeting your roommate is important for us as well. And this is not early for me... although I know someone who would sleep longer because she overworked herself last night..."
She then pinched Rikuri's half-bare thigh, which caused the half-asleep girl to jump slightly and exclaim:
"Ah! Touma, not here..."
Before looking around and coughing loudly
"I mean... I am not asleep, sister!"
"Thanks. I just... worry about how it will go down. I am not sure how Index will react..."
"Listen to me" Kaibi gently placed hand on boy's shoulder, smoothly moving it up and down" It was not the easiest thing for me when we began living together. But we came rather far, if I can say so myself. So calm down. Whatever happens, I got your back"
Touma exhaled and smiled to the middle sister.
"Thank you Kaibi-san, I really appr-"
HOOOOOOOOOOONK!
Kaibi and Touma almost leapt into each other's arms and Rikuri, who was slowly getting back to her passive napping state, jumped once again, twice as high as before.
They turned around to find Amazora looking very proud of herself.
"Amazora, what the hell was that?!"
"An air horn! I took one in case Index-san got lost and couldn't find us!"
"My Measure Heart would be useless if my own heart gets cardiac arrest because of your ideas! How about I stretch your skin on the cheeks so much that you will look like a bulldog?!"
Nooooo! Mershi! Merchiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!"
"Hey, it's them. That's Index and Kanzaki!"
And there they were. Index, in her regular Walking Church remnants and with Kanzaki Kaori by her side, was looking around for them until their eyes finally met.
"Touuuumaaaaaaaaa!"
But then her scream came to a sudden halt.
"Toum- oh?!"
Index's joy when she finally saw Touma and started to run to him was interrupted when she noticed three girls standing by his side.
Hesitation, unease, and anger all flashed through her face before it became neutral again.
Although Touma noticed the change in the girl's emotion, he still ran further and hugged Index tightly
"Touma... I missed you so much!" Index cried out with genuine joy as Touma spun her around.
"I missed you too. It's good to have you here."
"Hello nun." Othinus greeted Index, pushing herself up from the pocket" Welcome back"
After that, Index looked besides Touma and pointed at Gokusai sisters.
"Touma... I was half-expecting you to joke when we spoke through phone. But if they are here... those are..."
"Hi, I am Amazora! Onii-chan talked lots about you, so I was curious how are you like! Wow, you really wear bed sheets like a dress!"
"Amazora, this is a habit, not bed sheets" Kaibi flicked Amazora on the forehead, before introducing herself" I am Gokusai Kaibi. Those two are my sisters. Amazora introduced herself already, and this is Rikuri"
"Pleasure to meet you, sister-chan" Rikuri smiled gently at Index. However, her attention was more fixed on Kanzaki than the smaller nun most of the time.
"Touma... are they really..."
Touma and Kaibi looked at each other and nodded
"Index, I know this is a lot to take in. But through rather random and convoluted circumstances, we got reunited and ended up as roommates while our old dorm was being rebuilt. So I would like you to get along with them"
Index turned to the trio of blonds. After looking at Touma once again, who nodded in encouragement, she addressed the sisters
"My name is Index Librorum Prohibitorum. I live with Touma and we are very close"
That was it. Index wasn't rude and sounded very polite, but didn't add anything other than mere description. And she certainly didn't sound very excited about this new relationship development.
"How do you know Touma?"
"Well, we stumbled upon each other in the past" Kaibi explained" We had our differences... but ultimately, we learned to work as one team"
"You have a funny name." the walking dyplomatic bomb that was Amazora spoke to Index" What does it mean? My means 'rainy sky'"
"My name" Index said, puffing her chest proudly" refers to the list of prohibited books and grimoires, spanning from XVI century till today, containing works of knowledge far too dangerous for unprepared minds to obtain, resulting for them to be sealed within my mind!"
Sensing that the awkwardness of the conversation will soon skyrocket to high heavens, Touma cast a begging glance on Kanzaki. The swordswoman caught on and coughed to attract attention.
"And I am Kanzaki Kaori. I came here as Index's friend and to guard her on her journey. Although... I might add that seeing you here is a great addition to the experience, Kamijou"
"No, the pleasure is all mine. It's awesome to see you again, Kanzaki" Touma reincorporated the warmth of Kanzaki's greeting.
"I see... I am glad you think this way"
"I see that everyone arrived safely" spoke another voice behind them.
"Stiyl? When you got here?" Touma and Kanzaki were both surprised with fire magician's arrival.
Stiyl decided to ignore the question and motioned to Index.
"It's good to see you in good health. I will escort you home"
"Stiyl, there was really no need..." Touma tried to persuade something, but it was in vain, as Stiyl turned around and walked through the airport's main exit. He was soon followed by everyone else.
"So, you are that famous Kanzaki-san?" Rikuri implored, while going side by side with the Saint, who was similar to her in both age and height (well, would be, if Rikuri didn't wear heels).
"A-As I said that would be me... and why famous? I am not all that praiseworthy..." Kanzaki said, in a picture perfect nadeshiko modesty.
"Well, be it as it may, Kamijou surely thinks otherwise. When he talked about you, it sounded like he was describing 8th wonder of the world" Kaibi added from the front.
Kanzaki blushed and looked down, trying her hardest to hide a small smile on her lips.
"He spoke of me? That's very... uhm? Excuse me... Rikuri-san, was it... what exactly are you doing?"
Rikuri moved rather close to Kanzaki, examining the tied up T-shirt containing her breasts, her legs, hair, and waist, while muttering something to herself.
"I am sorry for her" Kaibi pinched Rikuri, who suddenly snapped back to reality" My sister has a little bit of a complex when it comes to women in the same age group, who are more fit than her"
"Kaibi-chan! It's nothing of this sort, Kanzaki-san, I just was... admiring your sense of style! How avant-garde! Those asymmetric jeans legs are really something else"
"There is actually legitimate reason behind this..."
As Kanzaki tried to explain the sword wielding details that led to her peculiar clothing style, Rikuri's mind strayed in another direction.
'Kamijou was talking the truth about the way she looks. Like a perfect example of feminine vitality. It feels different from me or even Oriana-san. While I think it will be fun to become Kanzaki-san's friend, I need to think of certain measures I can take when it comes to us and Kamijou. To compete against someone like her... maybe if I will do a push up, a squat, and bench press a day, eventually...'
Meanwhile, Touma, Amazora, and Index were walking in the front. Stiyl said that he will buy Index and Kanzaki something to drink, and disappeared from sight.
"So, I guess that you are hungry?" Touma cautiously addressed the silver haired nun.
However, to his utter astonishment, Index tilted her head deep in thought.
"Hmm, I am mildly hungry, but I am not starving, like after usual trips. Food on the plane was great and they actually allowed me to eat 15 different dishes. Thanks to that, I am more-or-less satisfied!"
Touma could burst into tears of happiness in that moment if he didn't restrain himself.
'Thank you, thank you, thank you, wonderful and glorious Mitsuko-sama! I am so happy I could kiss you right now! Why? Because satisfied Index is less angry Index, and she is already quite tense! Maybe this won't be a total disaster after all.'
"I am so jealous that you could live with onii-chan for so long! He may be strange sometimes, but the time he spends with us was so much fun. When we go back, I can show you so many cool things we can-"
"Thanks" Index grumbled under her breath" But I don't need a reminder how to live with Touma. You don't know this yet, but I have a perfect memory. And I certainly don't need any ideas of what to do with Touma, because we already had a great life before you came along!"
With that, she ran forward. Touma looked at Amazora.
"Onii-chan, what's going on?"
"Index... is really nice, but that was a bit of a shock for her. It would be an ideal scenario if she accepted things right away, but..."
"Don't worry, onii-chan, your heroic sis Amazora will save this one for you"
"Oi, wait, don't run around-"
"Index onee-chan!" Amazora screamed, chasing before the girl" Wait!"
"Why are you chasing me?!"
"I don't really know, besides the fact that onii-chan would like us to get along... why are you escaping?"
"I... thought that me and Touma..."
Index began to speak, but a loud sound interrupted them.
In their chase, they found themselves in the middle of the road. And there was one of the unmanned busses heading their way.
"Ah!"
Amazora and Index both tried to flee at the same time, but the foot of the gattling gun user stomped on Index's Walking Church and two girls found themselves on the ground.
"Oh no! Amazora!" Kaibi screamed, and Rikuri bit her lip in hopelessness.
"We can't hope to reach her! But we still have to-"
Kanzaki acted instantaneously. In one moment, she was by Touma's side.
"Kamijou, are you sure that bus is the unmanned one?"
"Y-Yeah, I am sure of it"
Powerful muscles of Kanzaki's legs propelled her forward with a bellowing boom, as she zoomed forward like a bullet.
'No one inside either. Then...'
In an instant, thanks to her supersonic speed, she found herself in front of the bus. At the same time, she grasped the hilt of her nodachi.
"Iaijutsu... Single Flash!"
Motion was too quick for human eye to follow through, as Kanzaki slowly sheathed the sword back. And just as she did...
The bus, that was about to hit her and the girls head on, was cut cleanly into two separate halves, each falling and sparking on the asphalt.
Kaibi and Rikuri's jaws dropped. And that was an euphemism.
'Maybe... single push up won't be enough after all...'
'Was that... body strengthening ability of sorts? So strange... Kamijou's friends are just as mysterious as he is'
"Samurai onee-chan, that was so cool!" Amazora screamed, as she and Index faced Kanzaki
"Kaori... thank you so much!" Index, crying out from relief and thankfulness.
Touma ran to them, kneeling to see both Amazora and Index and pulling them into a hug.
"Everything all right? You could be hurt or die, idiots!"
"Sorry onii-chan."
"I would be fine if I wasn't chased... but I am sorry too"
Then Touma did something unexpected for Kanzaki, as he got up and hugged her as well.
"K-Kamijou-san..."
"Thank you for doing what I couldn't do"
Well, it's not like Kanzaki didn't like that hug, as embarrassing as she could feel.
"It's nothing. I am always happy to aid you in any way I can. We both strive to bring salvation, aren't we?"
"Yeah, that's right."
But the moment of blissfulness between the two didn't last. In that moment, karma decided to be a rather bad bitch.
One of the halves of unmanned bus exploded, which caused a middle-sized steel construction element, resembling long, spear-like axis, to be propelled through the air.
Touma saw it but couldn't shield Kanzaki in time as the axis only grazed him and penetrated Kanzaki Kaori's right side.
The Saint muffled the scream of pain and, after taking a few steps, collapsed on the ground.
"Hey?! Kanzaki?! KANZAKI!"
"Kaori!"
"Samurai onee-chan!"
(LATER...)
Kanzaki blearily opened her eyes.
She looked at the unfamiliar ceiling. But somehow, she knew where she was. That was a hospital where Kamijou Touma usually recovered after his battles.
Her side hurt and Kanzaki winced. How was it possible that out of all places, that thing hit her there?
She heard voices. They were coming from the corridor, and some distance away, but thanks to her superior hearing, she could hear everything.
"Look, Stiyl, I am just as angry as you that Kanzaki got hurt, but why the hell are you blaming this on me?"
It was Touma's voice.
"Let me think. So she just miraculously got hit in one of her stigmata, which is one of the few rare ways she can be incapacitated through, and you happened to be near? It smells like your famous misfortune from a mile away" Stiyl snapped back, as loudly as it was allowed given that they were inside a hospital.
"Hey, back off! I don't care about what happened between Kanzaki-san, Index-san, Kamijou, and you, but don't you dare blame this on him just because you were away and didn't do a thing!"
That was girl known as Kaibi.
"Onii-chan, big priest-san, don't fight! If me and Index-san didn't run then it wouldn't..." Amazora tried to speak up, but Stiyl shot her down without missing a beat.
"You stay out of this! Kanzaki is not weak and she will be back on her feet in no time. It's just in the times like this... working with this guy is a serious pain"
"Say that again, I dare you!"
"Kaibi-chan, calm down! Let's just take a deep breath and wait for Kanzaki-san to awake"
"She is right." It was Index, clearly downtrodden and sad" The only thing important is for Kaori to be back. Touma is not to blame here. Why would he be? She saved me, that was the reason. That's why I am waiting for her here"
Kanzaki could hear Stiyl groaning, which was accompanied by sound of his robe swishing through the air.
"As do I, Index. However, I don't wish to be here for now. I am going outside for a smoke."
"Well, we will go as well. Kaibi-chan is in a rather explosive mood and we would like to prepare everything for the arrival of Index-san and our guests. Please take care, boy"
"See you soon onii-chan."
"Ugh, will you really be okay?"
"Yes, I will be fine. Thank you all. See you in the apartment. Index, are you coming?"
"I will, I am just going to go to caffeteria, see if they have something for Kaori when she wakes up"
The voices faded, as Kanzaki was left pondering in the room.
She was almost ready to get up and hit Stiyl hard on the head for venting frustration on Touma. She was very glad that Kaibi got very vocal in Kamijou's defense. Yet that aside, the short discussion outside got her mind or certain interesting topic.
Kanzaki was blessed with enormous fortune and great luck, stemming from her position as a Saint. Although many would consider it as something amazing, Kanzaki suffered a lot because through her fortune meant other suffered and, in her case, sacrificed their happiness for her. In the past, that was far too much for her to bear and she left Amakusa because of it. Meanwhile, Kamijou Touma was tormented by endless misfortune ever since he was born. Hated and vilified, he was plagued by bad luck and had to endure when others relished good times of prosperity and success.
Stiyl's accusation, although being more of something said in a spur of the moment, was not completely baseless. If Kanzaki recalled correctly, Touma mentioned something about being treated like a god of pestilence when he was a little boy. He was accused of spreading his misfortune around him and causing accidents for others, which resulted in him being bullied and ostracized. Of course, right now, the situation didn't really have anything to do with Touma at all, but...
When it came to fortune and misfortune, providence and pestilence, Kanzaki Kaori and Kamijou Touma were like two parts of one coin of fate. Usually, Kamijou Touma viewed that misfortune was only affecting him more than others. Similarly, Kanzaki thought that through her good fortune, others suffered bad fate. But there could be opposite interpretation as well.
It pained Kanzaki to think about it, but she could imagine that Kamijou used the reasoning that if he was misfortunate, then others gained more luck, to make his self-sacrificing actions more justifiable. But wasn't there something that she was missing?
If Kamijou was thought to influence misfortune in others, shouldn't the reverse be possible in her case? In both instances, the claims were pretty baseless. What they knew for sure was the fact that they were individually lucky and unlucky. But what if Kanzaki could influence good fortune and blessings for people around them? Bestowing miracles, like proper Saint should?
Would that mean...
'If we were to live close by each other, would our fates cancel one another? Would we have chance... to be truly happy?'
Kanzaki knew that it was absurd and foolish. Touma's Imagine Breaker and her divine blessing were not things that could just be turned off. They were parts of them, so to speak. But if there was a chance, an inkling for the influence that could lead to peaceful, normal existence that they sought...
However, the sound of the doorknob turning made her stop and listen. From the sound alone, she would assume it was Kamijou. And when Touma finally did go into the room, Kanzaki was laying on the bed, with her eyes closed.
She didn't really know why she pretended to be asleep on the whim. Maybe because she was curious or maybe because she was embarrassed to be alone with him in such position.
The worried Touma sat by her side and after a moment of consideration, took Kanzaki's hand, clasping it between his own. The girl had to try her hardest not to flinch at the contact.
"Hey, Kanzaki. It's strange to see you in bed like this. It is usually the other way around... Well, since you waited for me to awake before, I will wake as long as it takes to welcome you back"
'That's so sweet... also, don't look at me! It's pathetic and only happened because it hit my stigma! I never have need for hospitals, I practically never had cold in my entire life!'
"I don't know if Stiyl is right, but if my misfortune really influenced this, like in old times, then I am truly sorry"
'No, don't blame yourself. It was a random accident and I practically already recovered. There were merely 3 or 4 hour of lost time.'
"Still, seeing you like this is not right. That's why, regardless of your strength, I would like to prevent things like this from happening to you. I promise! You know, you always talk about debt this, debt that, but in truth, I thought that I should be one thanking you."
'N-No! I was the one who benefitted for you though... you inspired me more than you can ever imagine!'
"You always trying to save people, acted like a big sister to Index, and helped me throughout many things. Remember the time when you saved me when I jumped from the Flying Fortress?"
'How could I forget? I was so mad at you back then. You are lucky that I have my magic name to uphold and that I lo... lo... like you a lot"
In her frustration, she tightened her grip on Touma's own hand, but the boy was so focused on his own thoughts that he didn't notice that.
"The point is, I am always happy to work with you because I feel that we get each other's values. It's really nice, knowing that there is someone like that out there, even if we usually do different things. So, I guess I still need to thank you for many things. Starting with you being here at all and ending with Fallen Angel Ero Maid..."
Kanzaki made a choking noise and Touma stopped. But after observing her a while, he assumed it was just some strange reflexive reaction in her sleep.
"That was unexpected, but after some time passed, as a healthy high school guy I must say that you looked amazing. As I say, there are many things you need to be thanked for. And I was just thinking about something to make you feel better after you awake..."
'T-There is truly no need! I don't know what I will have to do if I will be indebted to you any more... also, what's actually going on? This speech is over the top, Kamijou! I am not dying! You are very, very sweet, but you are acting like an overprotective husband right now. I knew men are prone to overreaction when it comes to sickness, but honestly... w-wait, why did I say husband?! Did I just imagine myself and Kamijou as a... b-bad Kaori! Very bad! Don't let your thoughts stray! Be like when you draw a sword, a calm, undisturbed water...'
"Oh, I know! Last time we were here, you were about to give me a note with something you wanted to do for me. You destroyed it, saying there was not important anymore, but maybe I could ask you what that thing was and I could do it for you instead!"
The 'undisturbed water' in Kanzaki's mind suddenly became a miniature storm.
'T-The note... in a hospital...w-wait... wasn't that... when I proposed to slee... sleep... w-with... w-we can't...'
BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!
The heart monitor's beeping made Kamijou frown.
"You are getting very hot... and you are shivering?! Maybe you do have a fever after all! Wait up, I will go fetch the doc!"
After Touma left, Kanzaki rose up, covering tomato-red face in her hands.
"How is it possible that he is usually so dense and then he says things like this out of the blue..."
After a short while, she dropped back to the pillow and closed her eyes, when Kamijou returned, this time with the familiar frog faced doctor in tow.
"Are you sure doc?"
"Yes, I am positive. She is not only healthy already, she made almost full recovery. She will be free to go when she wakes up. She is very lucky, that axis didn't do any fatal damage. Besides, her tissue heals fast. Also, there's actually something I want to talk with you... you see, I took the liberty to do a full array of body tests when she was unconscious... with our technology, it only took over an hour. I must apologize for that later on, but my medical curiosity got the better of me. Also, it may be beneficial for me to have that data in case something happened to her again while in the City. I doubt normal hospital would be able to treat her. Needless to say, her data is safe with me. I will only disclose it with you as you are acquainted with her through the other side"
'T-That doctor! Were those tests truly necessary? Then again... I was never actually checked up like this, I never needed to. I know a lot about being a Saint from magical side of things, but I never considered there could be a medical side to it to. Who knows, maybe I learn something interesting about myself. Also, I know from Kamijou that this doctor can be trusted. He is a professional medic who saved countless lives and aided Kamijou on multiple occasions...'
"Do you wish to discuss it here?"
"Yeah... I would rather not leave Kanzaki until she is awake..."
"Good call. Sometimes, patients do strange and erratic things when they awake from coma, however short it may be, caused by an injury. Well, to start with what I want to say about Kanzaki-san, we both realize that her body isn't exactly normal. And I am not talking about her looks being above average"
Although they spoke quietly, Kanzaki's superior hearing once again worked flawlessly.
'L-Let me take back all good things, you pervert! And Kamijou-san, d-d-did you just made that fully convicted 'mhm' sound at that. M-My cover will be blown at this point'
But still, she found it in herself to steady herself and listen
"Let's see, let's see... here we have a truly unique muscle composition. The density of muscle fibers is almost sixfold of regular human while retaining normal mass. The way Kanzaki-san's circulation entangles her muscles, combined with the way in which the fibres themselves contract makes you think more of a hydraulic system than organic tissue. From purely physical point of view, it can achieve truly monstrous strength with minimal exertion. Then, there is skeletal system. Very strong and reinforced heads of the bones and hard rib cage. At the same time, the chemical composition of the bones is more than just calcium phosphate, most common component. Her bones are as durable as carbon fibber while also being greatly elastic. Those two characteristics, unprecedented together, allow Kanzaki-san's skeleton to withstand great pressure and make her bones very hard to break. I also imagine it makes her punches seem as if you were hit by a block of concrete. There is her blood circulation. The flow of blood is increased with maximum efficiency with vessels being very widely spread and transporting blood at very high pressure, higher than statistic norm. Kanzaki-san's blood has very high level of haemoglobin and red blood cells, allowing for the much better oxygenation of the body. Her bone marrow produces the quantities of RBCS suited more for high altitude of mountains with low oxygen! Body temperature is slightly lower than normal, being 30 C, and there is also remarkable recovery rate of damaged cells thanks to it. To compensate for lower temperature, there is a layer of special fat, which, as you may already suspect, is prominently seen in chest area. Aside this, her nervous system appears to function on different impulse frequency, allowing much faster reflexes, her lungs are capable of taking thrice as much air as ours at maximum inflation, retina cells are equipped in cells that allow effortless night vision, like in nocturnal animals, and the eyesight may exceed normal dioptres... there are so many peculiar improvements from what we know about human body! Although this is speculative, her cells may have a level of high immunity to poisoning and radiation. There is also her heart..."
"Her... heart?"
Heaven Canceller took out the recorded and placed it between them
"Listen to this"
Kamijou listened. And he heard it.
"BA... BOOMP... ... ... ... BA.. BOOMP... ... ... ... ...BA... BOOMP... ... ... ...BA... BOOMP..."
"Her heart beats nearly two times at a slower pace than ours, meaning diastolic pressure, the one between two heartbeats, persists unusually long. But on the other hand, her systolic pressure, the one in which heart expels blood outwards, is much higher than that of a regular human. It means that with smaller amount of exertion, her heart gives the body much more blood. And with her red blood cell levels, it means that she can beat professional athletes without any training"
"Yeah, I can definitely see that. But... why are you telling me all of those medical details doc?"
Heaven Canceller sighed, putting the tests aside.
"I am sure you probably expect what I am about to say, but as a doctor I must say... your friend's body seems like a miracle. It wouldn't be a stretch to call her superior human in design, akin to next step in evolution. Although I know she is strong and presumably can defeat most of the dangers of this world, there are many types of darkness in the world, many types of wounds, some of which not even I can heal. And there are equally as many ways to defeat someone. Everyone has weaknesses. With body like Kanzaki-san has, many would want to have a piece of her... and I am afraid I mean it in rather gruesome sense. So please, do what you do best. Protect her, the best way you can. Aside from the fact that Kanzaki-san is a wonderful young woman as an individual, we cannot allow if someone with malicious intent managed to replicate her biology."
Touma nodded. It was not like he intended anything else if Kanzaki was ever in danger... although he was not sure what would that situation even be. After all, he never once bested a Saint in a fight, so what could he do in a situation that physically overpowered them? But besides this fact, he wasn't sure if Heaven Canceller's concern was validated. From what he heard, Saint status was something similar to mutation, couldn't be inherited, and attempts to achieve sainthood through magic were rarely successful. But on the other hand, there were many incidents in the past that completely overturned his assumptions on what was possible and what was not. Maybe viewing Kanzaki's case through medical viewpoint was different than merely considering symbolic value of her being a human closer to the image of God, as magic side described it.
"Of course. When it comes to it, I will do everything to keep Kanzaki safe"
BEEP... BEEP... BEEP!
Although Kamijou didn't notice it, Kanzaki bit her lips as her cheeks reddened.
The glint of mischief entered the eyes of the elder man, as he leaned over to Kamijou.
"I am glad to hear that. Also, as a bonus, I may tell you another bit of information that may be important for you. This sturdy yet elastic bone structure is also present in the pelvis. Which means Kanzaki-san would have no problem in bearing a child..."
BEEP! BEEP! BEEEEEEEP! BEEEP!
Kanzaki's eyes opened and she shot up from the bed, to the shock of Touma and mild surprise at the face of the doctor.
"Wa...wah...awawawawawawa!"
In rare moment of raw embarrassment, red-faced Kanzaki promptly turned around and smashed through the outer wall of the hospital, jumping straight down through the 3 floor drop.
"Well, as I said, strange and erratic behaviours after awakening. Though I have to admit, I never had someone jump through a wall before" commented Heaven Canceller/
(LATER)
"Oh, Touma, Kaori, you are back! I am glad that you are awake... huh? What happened? You are both kind of... red?!
"A-Are we?! You must be seeing things, Index. And even if we were, it's because we were rushing to meet you as fast as we can" Touma laughed awkwardly, looking at Kanzaki.
Earlier, he came down and gave Kanzaki her normal clothes. After few words of explanation, they both needed to recover from embarrassment coursing through them.
'So she heard me say all of that... w-well, I planned to tell her, but I kind of blew it that way'
"K-Kanzaki-san... even though what I said by your bed is true, m-maybe we should forget this incident?"
Kanzaki nodded on autopilot, but in truth, she was far from forgetting it.
'W-What was with that conversation? For some reason, I cannot stop thinking about this... I never thought about it before but... child...'
Kanzaki cast a discreet glance at Touma, who was talking with Index and patting her reassuringly on the head.
'K-Kamijou's child...as in... child with Kamijou...'
"Kaori, are you sure you can walk?"
"Ah... y-yes, of course. This doctor was actually rather good, I feel like my baby... no, I mean, Kamijou's baby... a r-regular baby... a-anyway I feel so great that I could even run! In fact, that's exactly what I'll do. Stiyl gave me an address, so I will get on ahead to get everything ready for you..."
ZOOM! The flustered Saint disappeared, leaving slightly confused pair dozens of meters behind her.
"Sorry you two, I just need to calm my head... and deal with those visions of familial life I never thought I could have..."
(IN TOUMA + GOKUSAI APARTMENT)
When they returned to the apartment, they were welcomed by a surprise.
Rikuri used her drones to spread out confetti as Amazora started to blow her air horn until Kaibi had to snatch it from her hands.
"WELCOME HOME, INDEX-SAN!"
Index walked in, confused and shocked, looking at the festive table in the living room.
"Kamijou told us how much you like to eat! He made lots of food for you, I also contributed something with my blooming culinary finesse" explained Rikuri, motioning around the room" Kaibi suggested desserts. And as for Amazora..."
"I can give you some of my oysters. Not all of them though, I need to feed onii-chan too"
Index nodded, as everyone took a sit. Stiyl finally arrived too. He was clearly interested in only two things: talking with Index and food, in that specific order, but no one seem to mind.
Everything seemed to be going fine. Almost an hour passed. Rikuri conversed with Kanzaki about lifestyle differences, Touma was fed by Amazora, while Stiyl grilled some meat for Index.
However, the guest of honour was mainly unresponsive. And that lasted for so long that finally Stiyl frowned and opened his mouth, trying to ask if the girl was alright.
But before he got a chance to do so...
"Hey!" Kaibi's voice rose above the others, that instantly got quiet.
The middle sister looked at Index, who was munching on the food without usual enthusiasm.
"Look, we all see that something is not right and no amount of singing, eating, and doing other distracting stuff is going to cover it up. We tried, but it failed, and there is something clearly going on. Why won't you tell us? If you have a problem, out with it! It's much better than just being awkwardly fake!"
Index didn't say anything for a few moments, before swallowing and looking at Touma.
"Touma..."
"Y-Yes?"
"I... am not alright with this! How can I be alright?! You sent me away and had fun with some people I don't even know! You moved to some fancy place without me and I bet you had super lot of fun while at it! Not to mention that you live in such moral depravation! Three woman, basically strangers?! Why did you do that Touma?! Was I not enough?! Was the days we had not enough, after all we had?! Is this worth more, so you didn't send me back earlier!"
"Now wait a second Index, it was really a lot of coincidences and..."
"Y-You are lying Touma! I bet you were really happy being able to rest from an annoying brat like me!" Index cried out, showing just how corrosive and toxic were the emotions that were eating her alive in that moment" Is our time together so worthless that you can just replace it like that?! I hate this! Don't ruin how we used to live!"
"Index... listen, please... that's not so-"
"TOUUMMAAAA! I hate this! I thought you did what you said, what you promised and instead you played around! AAAARRRGH!"
CHOMP!
Index's jaws found their way on Touma's skull and the boy groaned, as she bit with greater tenacity than usual.
"What the hell? Get off him!" Kaibi sprinted forward and with her effort, Index teeth separated from Touma's body. "I get that you are upset, but what is wrong with you?!"
"What is wrong with me?! What is wrong with someone who steals someone else's partner and friend?!" Index yelled, tears falling down her cheeks" I am going away! It's not like I am needed here anymore! This apartment isn't even my real hooooome!"
And with that, she ran off slamming the doors behind her.
"Index!" Touma got up, but it was too late. He looked at everyone else.
Kaibi remained standing with hardened expression. An oyster fell of Amazora's lips. Rikuri covered her own mouth in expression of shock. Kanzaki looked at the door and then at Touma with expression of concern. Stiyl was looking at him with enigmatic look, appearing slightly irritated but also confused about new development.
They all knew something was brewing behind the surface. They felt the tension rising. But they chose to cover it up and ignore it. And now it backfired in the worst possible way.
"Did I do something wrong?" Touma muttered to himself.
However, Kanzaki still decided to answer as she shook her head
"I... don't know. We all could see this coming, but we... deluded ourselves, that everything will be okay"
"Even if we could..." Kaibi replied with arms crossed" She didn't take it fairly. What was that logic? It kind of pisses me off!"
"Kaibi-san, Index was confused..."
"Confused? It still doesn't justify her..."
"DOES IT REALLY MATTER RIGHT NOW?!" Stiyl shouted in commanding voice" We can play guilty and innocent later on. For now, she is alone in the city and it will be getting dark soon. Let's go and take her back!"
He was an actual voice of reason in this situation.
So they all set out to look for the grimoire library.