Toaru Majutsu no Index Painted prison chronicles

'Is that... also, did her breasts got even bigger?'

"I think I saw a glimpse of you before..."

"My name is Mii. Like you, I was... involved, with Kamijou Touma." Konori Mii, because she was the newcomer, blushed slightly at the implication of the 'involvement'.

"You must be the friends of Lessar. She often speaks of you, even if you are in the UK most of the time"

"We are more than friends, we are sisters. Nice to meet you, miss Mii. My name is Lancis, this is Bayloupe, and that tired one over there is Floris. And as for the little ones, this is my daughter Étaín, while this boy who tries to climb the vending machine is the kid of Floris, Rhain. So, you were saying something about help?"

Konori nodded and, to Touma's utter embarrassment, stuck one of her breasts out.

"Come on, little one. Aren't you hungry?"

The little baby called Étaín momentarily calmed down and began to suck the milk.

"Thanks... you are a lifesaver" Lancis said with relief "I love her to bits, but she can be quite moody from time to time"

"Hmm, babies just seem to like when I feed them, as embarrassing as it may be. I happen to have a newborn son as well, and he likes to feed very often. It's like my body accumulated too much milk... well, I was drinking it the whole life so I guess karma goes back, ahahah"

"Why are you here, miss Mii?"

"Well, it's a fighting tournament. As Anti-Skill officer, I frequent to such events to see if there are some fighters with serious potential for recruitment. What about you... wait a moment, when I think about it... Bayloupe is a rather distinct name. In one of the interviews... are you by any chance related to Aoife, the "Silver Moonlight"?"

Bayloupe's lips stretched out in the demonstration of pride.

"She is my daughter. Today's event is her big time to shine, so there is no way I would miss it"

"W-Wow... your daughter is so talented and strong... it's an honour to meet a mother of such a promising young woman..."

Finally capturing the rebellious son, Floris returned to the group.

"Bayloupe, there is one problem. The VIP tickets, there is not enough for all of us"

"Tch, really? Those idiots booked them wrong! What can we do on such short notice?"

"Maybe I can by of service?!"

Three woman were walking in their direction.

"Long time no see, Mii-san. Good to see you healthy and well" spoke the one in the middle.

Kongou Mitsuko wore a dark red, shimmering dress, that went well the curtain of black hair spreading over her back. The dress was designed to highlight every curve of her attractive body and big bust, while at the same time conceal it in the minimum of decency. She carried a fan made of artificial white feathers.

Next to her were two kids that obviously were siblings. The girl in particular looked very similar to Mitsuko, and walked gracefully by her side, while the boy didn't even try to bother with etiquette and hiding his excitement about entering the place.

On the right, Wannai Kinuho wore long blue dress, with golden clips and necklace with a single water droplet. Over the years, she got very mature proportions. Although she had small obsession with seeking clothes that wouldn't make her look chubby, it was baseless fear. She was very much a charming woman, and her puffy brown hair only amplified her gentle aura and serene beauty.

She too wasn't alone. Clinging to her dress was a small girl, maybe 6 or 7 years old, that had to be her daughter. She wore a small blue sundress, lighter than Wannai. She had had her mother's eyes as well as puffy hair, but it was black, not brown. Her face also appeared to have a slightly different shape.

Finally, there was...

"Help... are we here already? Please, do something..."

Awatsuki Maaya had a white dress that clashed nicely with her long dark hair that was almost purple in certain light. Despite her worries, her feminine side shone through one more levels than one and she radiated confidence and mature charm, just like her other friends.

Well, most of the time, because now she had bags under her eyes and her silky hair was being sucked on by a small boy with a similarly coloured, messy hair, that was only slightly older than little Étaín.

"Seriously though, help! I am all sticky from saliva and need to wash up"

"I can take Hayate if you want, aunt Maaya" Kongou's daughter, Miiya, volunteered. She took small boy in her arms.

"Who wants to play with your older sister?"

The boy laughed and reached out his hands.

However, calm didn't last long before...

"Umm, auntie! It's diaper emergency! Really stinky one!"

"Hayate, seriously? I just changed you..."

"I can help." Floris sighed, stretching out her hand to Awatsuki" tired mothers must stick together. Let's change him well"

"Thank you, I can barely see straight..."

"Well, I happened to overhear your problem. But I have the solution!" Kongou smiled.

Later, Touma found himself in the VIP longue.

"Thank you for doing this, miss Mitsuko" said Bayloupe

"Oh, drop the formality, even if we are not all that close in day to day life, family is still family. Besides, in addition to a model and head of aviation business, we have a mother of a most promising fighter in the group. It simply wouldn't do without proper accommodation"

"Why are you interested in the fighting tournament, Mitsuko-san?" asked Konori.

"Oh, I am not particularly interested. But my son absolutely loves to see Aoife in action. I thought that it would be a fun change of pace so I invited my friends"

"And it seems it was a blessing for us." Lancis sighed" Miss Kinuho, was it? I am so grateful she managed to calm Éta down"

Nearby, Wannai was leaning over small hazelnut haired girl while covering her eyes with a smile.

"Peak-a... boo!"

"Kyah?!"

"A gugu! Coochie coochie coo! Ah coochie coochie coo!"

"Ghehahahaha!"

"Hmm, aren't you just the sweetest little thing? Look Mizumi..." she addressed the small girl with a puffy black hair" this is your little sister. Say hi!"

"M-My name is Mizumi. Very nice... to meet you..." whispered puffy haired girl before becoming overwhelmed by shyness.

"Tickle, tickle, tickle! Your daughter is so ticklish, Lancis-san!"

"Well, that infamous ticklishness of hers just had to go to other generation" Bayloupe smirked slightly, before turning back to the arena.

"Is Lessar going to arrive?" she asked after a moment, addressing only New Light.

"She will be late. Rather typical of her" replied Floris

"So... how is the little competition between you two in regards to Kamijou going?" interjected Lancis quitely.

"Hmph, there is no competition. And if there was, the winner would be obvious. She is younger, I am older. It's always gonna end up with his original preference"

"Even with that advantage, Lessar put up a lot of work into seducing him. And when it happened, she was so happy that she looked drunk on the pleasure. He also sounded rather... enthusiastic, when it came to memories."

"Hmph, that's the difference. I didn't really need any pressuring and when it finally happened, it wasn't just good. It was amazing, glorious, and the best. And the result of this passionate union of yours truly will step on the arena any moment now"

"Got to say, I was surprised when you allowed him to be a driving force in dating and... what followed" said Floris, making sure her son was sitting on the spot nearby and didn't flee to seek some quest he envisioned in his head. But the boy named Rhain was far too focused on conversing with his brother, Tomoya.

"What can I say, I am a dominant girl in life, but even I welcome some creative intake. For example, me and him did..."

She whispered something to Floris' ear, making the more modest girl go crimson.

"H-Huh?!"

"Pretty wild, is it not? Sorry, it's Bayloupe exclusive. Oh, it gives me good shivers..."

"Well, I for once was happy my time was gentle. He was a proper gentleman and it was really romantic..." Lancis sighed sweetly.

"C-Can w-we stop discussing and reviewing our times with him?!" Floris muttered, still flustered.

"Come on, you are an adult woman for how long now? It's not that bad. Not like the time when Lessar proposed for all 5 of us to do it together" Bayloupe crushed an empty can in her hand.

Lancis nodded.

"I honestly thought I will kill her for that. This would completely ruin the experience. It's like... like putting on 4 different gears at once, even if it's rather crude metaphor. He has his own liking, Lessar will go with absolutely every dirty thing, Bayloupe likes dominance, I prefer gentleness, while you, Floris..."

The blond woman was steaming red and covering her face.

"... you never actually told us about your experience, so I don't know what to make of that. Are you still flustered about the fact that you fell for the guy you were so strongly convinced to dislike?!"

"N-No... it's just a top secret and it's private, like how it's supposed to be!"

"Look at her blush..."

"GET OFF MY CASE!"

Meanwhile, Kongou was pouting while sitting on her ornamented VIP chair.

"Is darling going to be here? I get lonely without him."

"Yeah, I think he will be here not before long" Miya smiled reassuringly "But mom, give dad space to breathe when he arrives. Last time he was almost completely red from kiss marks."

"I know, I know, I just can't help it when I see him after a long business trip. Not to mention he looks so dashing and handsome, completed with my fabulous choice of wardrobe... say, honey, wouldn't you like little brother or sister?"

"Mom!"

"Oh, I am kidding... sort of~"

"Honestly... oh, aunt Maaya and Hayate are both asleep"

"Let's be merciful. She didn't have any sleep for 3 days straight after Hayate got tummy ache. I guess we will show her the match later on the recording"

The lights got dimmer. At the same time, a rather frazzled Lessar burst through the door and practically threw herself on the seat near Bayloupe.

"Woah, made it!" she sighed with a grin on her face.

"I am really sorry" muttered Tannia, taking a sit by her mother's side" But she couldn't decide what panties to wear! Mom, for love of god, no one cares what panties to wear for event like this"

"My dear, inexperienced daughter, panties are the first line of battle for everything! They can repel or attract. Panties can resolve conflicts with no need for sword and a gun if chosen correctly. You never know where the day will take you. I was always prepared and that's why me and your dad eloped in a passionate and-"

"Okay, I don't need to hear all the details of that time AGAIN. I know I owe that time for being... well, alive, but... no. The only reason I am here is to watch my sister fight"

"Ssssh!" two boys, Tomoya and Rhain, hushed the mother and daughter duo. They were looking down at the arena in a geeky, passionate way" It's happening! It's Aoife!"

Touma looked down, and noticed that young men and women were coming onto the arena.

The one two boys were focused on was slender and tall, with slightly visible musculature, but in no way excessive amount. She had long greyish-silver hair, identical in hue to Bayloupe's, that was braided into one long ponytail. However, the most mesmerizing were her eyes, visible on the large screens over the arena. They were pale blue with a tinge of grey and seemed to have a peculiar, reflexive shine, as if one was looking at the rare gemstone.

"And now, the favourite, creator of her own original style of fighting, the beautiful and undaunted, Kamijou Aoife!"

'Kamijou...' Touma gulped and looked at Bayloupe, who was clapping her hands with dignity and pride. He couldn't help but feel a little hot, having to look away after a moment.

"Aoife! WE LOVE YOU!" yelled two boys, who were obviously rather big fans of what was about to transpire.

"Don't embarrass her, you idiots! Why are you even so excited, she is your sister!"

"Because she is awesome, duh!" little Rhain jumped in place.

"Sis, she is a top-tier martial artist, and super cool at that. The fact that "Silver Moonlight" Aoife is my half-sister is just cherry on top!"

The girl must have heard the shouts, because she looked in that direction. Even though earlier she seemed stoic, cold even, her features softened and she mouthed 'I love you too' in their direction.

Then, the tournament began. It was apparently freestyle combat tournament, with opponents registering their style beforehand, and having to knock out or make opponent give up in order to win.

And when it was Aoife's turn, Touma was awestruck.

The girl dashed forward so quickly that for a moment, Touma saw only a silver blur, but his experienced eyes finally managed to see her better.

He never saw such moves. Girl called Aoife didn't waste any movement, combined precision and speed with expertly coordinated bursts of strength. She changed the directions and levels of attacks, kicked, punched, used almost all muscles and limbs to move like a well-oiled machine. When one thought she would be struck, she did a squat, bent backwards, or did a backflip. When she was about to be kicked, she twisted her body like wringed cloth.

But most impressive was the way she defended herself, or rather, the way in which she changed defence into offence. Aoife spun around, masterfully using centrifugal force to increase her own attacks after the evasion of other blows. She was doing it so swiftly and moved in such a flowing manner that she looked like she was...

'She is... dancing' Touma realized.

He was not the only one impressed with it.

"You must be proud" Kongou said to Bayloupe.

"She did have the finest of teachers. Myself, Backstabbing Blade, Mightiest Warrior Thor, #7 of Academy City and his wife, and of course... her father"

And as if on cue, Aoife cornered her enemy, and delivered a right hook.

The center of gravity, the stance, the speed and power. It was all perfect, no room for error.

So K.O was the only option

Touma knew that punching style. He punched like this longer than he could remember, literally.

"The winner is "Silver Moonlight" Aoife!"

The girl reached to his bride and slowly let it loose, before raising a hand in triumph which was met with enthusiastic cheers. Touma did not know if Aoife already won or if it was only the qualification, but other things distracted him.

"That's my girl!" Bayloupe screamed with pride.

"You mean 'our', don't you?"

Everyone turned around.

"Darling! You're here!"

"Hey, since when are you watching?"

"Almost the beginning actually. Who wouldn't be here for a big day of his own daughter?"

"You are like ninja, you could have just say hi or something"

"Dad, wasn't Aoife onee-chan super awesome!"

"Oh, it's you... I-I am sorry if I look awful after sleeping..."

"Don't worry, I think you actually look charming."

Touma was the only one who didn't turn back yet and he also did not follow others in greeting the man behind his back. He needed to prepare himself for this.

Finally, he took a deep breath and turned around to face his older self.

Over the crowd of family members, he saw a well-built, yet not overly muscular man, possibly in his 30s. There was no mistake. Even though there was obviously not as much gel in use, the hairstyle was still just as recognizable. But all in all... Touma could not help but smile. Sometimes, he doubted he would be lucky to actually survive for that long, so actually witnessing it was... pleasing.

But, in that moment, the man glitched. With green and purple light.

"Have fun dreaming your little dream?"

Touma's smile crumbled in a second.

The older Touma's skin peeled away and turned to dust. Time slowed down and no one seemed to be noticing the change.

Kamijou No Touma smiled wryly at his other self.

"Hello there, inferior me"

"You..."

"Come on, you didn't think I would actually leave the stage for good, right?"

"Why... why are you doing this?" Touma spoke, taking a step forward.

"Wouldn't you like to know? Don't you remember? I am not some villain who would do a monologue about their evil plans. I am a hero, a hero you were supposed to be. Let's just say that while being put inside you once again, I discovered the way to truly bring things to the way they were. Using what truly belongs to me, the inner might of Imagine Breaker, I will rectify our destiny and make it better for everyone. I'll witness each possible end of our story and erase the one eyesore that prevents final conclusion: you"

"By deceiving everyone and making them miserable? I know you, and you will do whatever the hell you want to achieve your goal. If you hate me that much, it's fine by me, I don't exactly like you too. But don't you dare interfere with others!"

"I wouldn't have to if you did things right, weakling. Face it, you need me to save everyone"

"I will NEVER need you, you bastard!"

"We shall see... maybe this will even humour me. This pathetic attempt of a rebellion you and our shared Imagine Breaker neighbours from within organize" KNT's face grew more wicked as purple and green reflexes danced inside his irises" But it's not going to change a thing."

The world around Touma cracked and the boy noticed in terror that the source of the crack is himself. Meanwhile, the doppleganger traced finger over the cheek of Kongou Mitsuko, kissed Lessar's cheek, and patted small Mizumi on the head

"STOP IT!"

"What's the matter? Why are you so mad? You thought that they weren't actually real, aren't you?" he taunted. The cracks deepened.

"You will not get away with this... you are nothing but a mistake and bad dream!"

"I am afraid that your dream is my reality. And I am emanation of Imagine Breaker, which chose you as a vessel. Are you sure that you are not the one that was added as an extra? Is body gaining a soul or does it form around it, that's the question..."

"Imagine Breaker isn't my soul, I am more than it. I am no one else other than Kamijou Touma!"

"Nice logic, smartass. But I am afraid the same applies to me. Thanks to you, I am more than I was back then, so much more. So mark my words: I will make sure that in each possible way, you are impossibility, while I am necessity!"

The world shattered completely and Touma fell into the darkness, followed by a cold laughter.

Until...

"I got you!"

He suddenly felt himself getting caught by someone and pulled into an embrace.

While his eyes were still closed, he recognized the sweet smell and voice.

Opening his own eyes, he was met with pair of blue and golden eyes looking at him

"Hmm? Can I assume that you fell for me?"

"Nephthys?!"

"Psst, you were supposed to nod! Then I would say, "because you totally stole my heart"... although my heart is actually in the jar elsewhere, so it's unfortunate example... I thought humans liked those jokes, I am just trying to cheer you up."

In each other's embrace, they were floating in the beautiful space that resembled night sky of blue and violet colours with small golden orbs of light around them.

"Where are we?"

"Between dream and waking world. It's rather beautiful isn't it... sniff, sniff..."

"Oi, you are flooding me! Even in dreams you are that tearful?"

"Years of practice. Now, tell me of the encounter I sense you had in the another fragment of our vision."

Touma told her about another experience with future phase and short confrontation with Kamijou No Touma.

"Hmm, so the stakes are as high as I thought. You must speak with the dragons once again, urgently"

"Alright... but before I go, I have one important question."

"Important answer: I never in my life wore any underwear"

"Thank you... I mean, no! The question is: he said something about me becoming impossible, and him necessary. What does it mean?"

Nephthys thought for a moment.

"Are you familiar with modal realism?"

"Modal what?"

"It's a philosophical theory developed by David Lewis that postulates the existence of infinite number of possible worlds, which are the maximum non-contrary states of affairs. Those worlds follow 6 rules. Firstly, they are really existent. Secondly, they are the same as our world, differing only in content. Thirdly, each world is equal to the other and each is actual only for its inhabitants. Fourthly, each world is whole entity and is irreducible. Fifthly, the world are in spatiotemporal separation. Sixthly, thing from one world cannot cause anything in the other world. I admit, I am not sure if other worlds exist. We Magic Gods cannot create alternate realities, only alter the one we are in. We don't even have the way to confirm if there is something out there. But those rules that Lewis applied to possible worlds can very well apply to phases as well. Phases are apparitions of reality, the world-for-me, while your Imagine Breaker is tied with world-in-itself, the objective reality that can't be truly experienced by subjective human eyes. What your other side meant ties closely with possible worlds theory. There are possibly infinite number of phases which contain various possible fates of your counterparts. Something is possible, when it has representation in at least one world out of infinity. Something is necessary when it happens in every world, and impossible, when none of the worlds represents it"

"Which means..."

"That was a declaration of war. He basically said that he will make you stop existing in all possible ends of your story, while taking your place"

"Oh... that's... very bad, actually."

"You are right... but we are not completely defenceless. To truly oppose him, you must master your inner strengths and find one you are already searching for"

"Mitsuari Ayu? How is she linked with all of this?"

"Well, it's not like you will understand all of it now... but she is one of the key components for the future phase to exist at all. We need mental powers of rather specific individuals for this. Also, for her to truly be of use for that, you and her must heal the issues regarding Shokuhou Misaki. I am afraid it will be a no-go without that..."

"Issues regarding who?"

"... which may be a little bit convoluted, given your situation. But don't lose hope, I shall see into that too"

Touma was left to ponder on those mysterious statements, as they floated, still embraced with one another.

"Nephthys..."

"Mmmmhm?..."

"I am afraid that I must go now..."

"Five more years..." she hugged him tighter. Her voice sounded like she was ready to drift to sleep.

"I think you mean five more minutes..."

"Do I?... *yawn*... human time measurements sometimes got mixed up in my head..."

Touma couldn't exactly be mad at her. Nephthys smelled great, was very warm and soft, her breath had a gentle rhytm. All of that made Touma have to fight not to fall asleep and stay in the starry void in the arms of a goddess... even though he was already sleeping.

"Can you take me to where the dragons are?"

"Well, I suppose sleeping when I am not really here would be a waste. Fine... chu!"

She kissed Touma on the brow. From the place in which her lips touch his skin, light began to spread around his body.

"By the way, you still didn't tell me your guess about my so called input to the future phase"

"Huh?"

"Pick your answer: boy? Or a girl? Good answer wins you a grand prize"

"I-I am not sure what you mean... and what if it's both?"

"Ara? Well, then I guess, for once you are in luck, because you would win a prize regardless of everything"

"What... is the prize?"

The last thing he saw before disappearing was the most teasing smile he ever saw of Nephthys' face.

"See you in the waking world, Kamijou."

(LATER)

Touma had some small talk with the dragons. But finally, he addressed Obsidian.

He could feel attention of dragon of darkness on him, which was rather strange, as he had no eyes to focus on him.

"That ability... it was truly powerful. But I don't think that it's my style. I want to save, not terrify into submission. That didn't feel like me at all"

"Even if it's so, you need all of us to truly oppose him, human" dragon answered" I will respect your decision, even if it was great to feel incarnated. But..."

"I am not discarding your power. It will be kept as the last line of defense... and I want you to teach me all about healing trauma. You know, so I won't end up hospitalized when I do this. It may be useful for the future. Being with you made me realize that only becoming darkness makes you truly understand it. It's not evil in itself, only in excess. So... I thank you and ask for continuation of our work"

Black dragon seemed surprised. His mouth twisted in a sign of approval.

"Very well, that's how it will be."

"But I can't stop now. I have to move forward."

He looked at other dragons, before stopping his gaze at Skeletal Flame, and bowing his head slightly.

"Please teach me your power"

The flames on the dragon flickered, when he lowered his head and opened his jaw.

"At once, Kamijou Touma. Let our union be brilliant in effect"

Touma took a deep breath and jumped straight into the tunnel of undead flames. With the sound of bones cracking, the jaws of the dragon closed behind him.

(IN THE WAKING WORLD)

"You are doing it wrong! It should be nyah, not... me-ow?"

"I am an aristocrat, fluent in 3 languages, controlling the 4 elements, with master of strategy and human management, one of the most acclaimed talents in my country... and you tell me I can't imitate a cat?!"

Touma opened his eyes and noticed 2 young girls arguing near his bed. Upon his awakening, Amazora and Birdway quickly straightened as both faced him.

"Hey... what's up with those clothes?"

Both girls wore maid uniforms and cat costumes consisting of ears and tails. As if on command.

"Welcome back, onii-chan. We want to play with you, nyah"

Birdway coughed and also spoke, holding her slightly curled hands to her cheeks.

"I am your sister kitty for the evening, so let's have fun, meow..."

"O-Okay, should I be afraid? Did you do something to your head?"

"No you fool!" in a flash of anger, regular short-fused Birdway returned, before calming down" Me and Gokusai talked and decided... that yesterday was far too less about you."

"So we are at your service now! We met a new friend who told us this was a way to repay you and lent us those outfits!" Amazora beamed, making a heart from her hands and sending a wink to Touma

"Huh?"

"Firstly, yesterday, we didn't actually do anything with you, only argued with one another. Secondly, you had balls to save Gokusai from being killed, and my charming face from being beaten up... or worse. You saved us both. Not to mention you called us all... siblings. Even the boss of Golden Coloured Sunlight has to pay debt after something like this"

And so, Touma was indulged by two girls.

"I made those sandwiches especially for you. Say "aaaah" and let it be tasty, big brother" with a sweet smile, Birdway presented to him a sandwich.

"I-I am not so sure about it... most culinary experiments I try are..."

"EAT UP!" Birdway showed the sandwich into his mouth without holding back.

After managing to chew and swallow the food, Touma blinked in surprise.

"This... was actually good"

Birdway puffed her chest in pride.

"Only the best for my brother. A-Also... it's... Leivi..."

"What? I can't hear you"

"IT'S LEIVINIA! My name... s-since we are siblings, for as long as we both want it, call me... Leivinia. Then I will call...Touma"

Touma smiled at the british magician.

"Fine by me. Though Leivinia is a little long. Wouldn't Leivi-chan be easier?"

"Don't push it. Lei-vi-nia. Add 'chan' and I am kicking your ass"

Next, Amazora massaged his back and shoulders.

"You are really good in this, Amazora. Is it because you can use your telekinesis to form pressure on your hands?"

"Heh heh, onii-chan discovered my secret. But the true power of those hands comes from something else"

"Huh? What's that?"

"Loveeeeee..."

They watched a movie. Played the board game together. Discussed a book Touma was reading recently. Enjoyed sibling trivia. Painted each other's faces. Ordered a pizza and were chased by nurses because of it. Played charades, and laughed hard because of impersonations that were made.

They did many more fun stuff and soon they were all laughing together, as if they've been regular siblings for many years.

The sky was darkening when Touma laid on his hospital bed pulled outside with two girls at each side, observing the sunset.

He gained another part of his extended family. The true sworn sisters.

Upon Amazora's insistance, each of them pricked their finger and put a droplet of blood in two drinks, before handing it to other two. As they drank it, they symbolically became sworn siblings. As Birdway acknowledged Amazora as useful, even if annoying rival, the two bonded this way without much of an objection.

It all seemed perfect.

Until the phone rang.

Looking at the device, Touma was bewildered. He didn't heard the name for a long time and he certainly didn't think he would get a call from that person ever in his life.

It was a video call from Kihara Enshuu.

He honestly was shocked to the core, but picked up anyway.

"Hello?"

The display showed middle-school aged girl with blue eyes and black hair buns on both sides of head, wearing pink sweater and torn black stockings, with a phone, small micro-TV, and other devices hanging from her neck.

"Welcome. I am grateful that communication worked. Do you happen to recall me?"

"W-Well, it's a bit hard to forget Baggage City. How do you have my number?"

Birdway frowned

'She was in that infamous Baggage City. Who is she...'

"I used Souji onii-chan's pattern to find the most profitable way of recovering it via hacking..."

"R-Right..."

"It's not very Kihara-like to waste time on idle chat, so I will get straight to the point. As you may remember from our previous encounter, I use over 5000 thought patterns of the Kihara family. In most instances, I don't have opportunity to actualize the thought pattern after its assimilation. However, I would like to request your cooperation in thought pattern realignment"

"You need to actualize your thought pattern? Why?"

"As a non-Kihara, it may be hard to grasp for you, so I will follow with elaboration. I used various patterns for various tasks. For example, I use Amata ojii-san and Kagun ojii-san's thoughts for attack, Noukan ojii-san's for interpersonal relationships, Therestina obaasan and Yuiitsu-oneechan for sneak attacks and distraction. But I find your thought pattern... preferable in the situation without clear criteria. It makes my dopamine and serotonin levels increase, which allows for the more efficient usage of other patterns"

If she wasn't a member of Kihara family and raised in solitude, Enshuu would probably say that feeling and thinking like Touma brought her pleasure. But, at least for now, that concept had no place in her mind.

"But your thought pattern is rather erratic and hard to comprehend for a Kihara, so I would like to perfect it by empirical observation and study of your behaviour and habits."

"S-So you wish to... spend time with me?"

"That would be the most efficient method. Is that clear to you, Touma onii-chan?"

Touma heard something breaking, loudly, behind his back, and two sounds that were terrifyingly close to growling.

"Y-Yeah, of course it is..."

"I detect hesitation in your voice. Is it because I am younger than you? I can research Yuiitsu-oneechan's, Byouri-obaasan's, and Therestina-oneechan's patterns in hope to find a matching solution for the usage of womanly charm to increase my chance of success..."

The growling became louder and more fierce.

"T-There is really no need..."

"Or maybe it's because those two ugly children behind you?"

"WHO DO YOU CALL UGLY CHILDREN, YOU ******?!" roared two voices behind Touma's back, almost causing him to lose hearing.

"Using Amata-ojiisan's pattern, with 1 hour preparation time, I can devise and enact over 2000 methods through which I can dispose of them for your distraction to cease. This number will be drastically reduced if I will need to dispose of the bodies without a trace but..."

"N-NO! There is no need to kill anyone..."

" That would be the most effective, but if you say so... I also heard that you academic skills in regards to esper power development are the equivalent of prize for participation..."

"P-Please don't say it like this!"

"...perhaps, tutoring you would be a task worthy of Kihara. Would that be a good enough prize for cooperation?"

"You would help me! Thank you!"

"I assume we have agreement then. I will eagerly await our reunion, Touma onii-chan"

"Wait, Enshuu-"

But she already hung up.

Two girls behind Touma looked as if someone set fire in their eyes.

"E-Ehm..."

"You have a sister among the Kihara?!"

"I-I don't know, she just happens to call me onii-chan... Amazora, you don't like Kihara family? Not that I blame you..."

"I met them before! The younger Kihara, like this bitch" the curse that was more venomous than Amazora's usual behaviour" mocked me for using my weapon. They said that you could swap me with monkey and the intelligence would change!"

"Well, well, well..." Birdway struck her hand rhytmically with her wand" seems like someone really gets around... any last words?!"

'Please universe... give me this! I need something for the distraction. Let someone call right now! Anyone, just let this divert the attention from the hell that is about to occur.'

He should be careful what he wished for.

The phone did, in fact, ring again.

Touma quickly picked it up as it was life saving medicine.

And paled almost instantly.

Of all the people... even though he told her earlier that he would be the one to call...

It was a video call from Tatsugami Otohime.

Forced to play along if he already started, Touma answered the call. It displayed a young girl with messy dark hair standing in front of the wall with family photos.

"H-Hello there Otohime?"

"Hi, do you have time to talk now?"

'W-Why is the phone stuck on a speaker mode? Seriously? Work with me fate! Please!"

"Yeah, but I don't have much time. I will call you when I have more of it, 'kay?"

"I know you must be busy, onii-chan..."

Touma heard the noise from Birdway's side, which horrifyingly resembled twisting metal railing of the hospital bed.

"... but I wanted to say that I really miss you. My parents are busy again, so auntie Shiina and uncle Touya let me stay the night. We were just remembering the times when we use to play with each other as kids. We climbed trees, slept in hammock... remember all the times we've been taking a bath together? You always knew how to wash me to get all the dirt from the playground?"

Death was approaching and Touma could feel it very well behind his back, as Amazora cracked her knuckles..

"R-Really? Those were the times... listen, Otohime, the service here is really bad..."

"Oh, really? I will be sure to call later then. Or rather... there will be no need! When I have the chance in the future, I will be sure to visit you on some festival occasion. Then we can do all those things again. Only this one it will be better, because I am not a kid anymore and-"

WHOOM!

The phone was knocked out of Touma's hand and call ended as two girls started to close in on Touma. And they were really not in the mood for talking.

"I-Isn't it normal in some families to have more than two sisters?" the boy said weakly" w-wait, s-stop... I-I am still huuuuuuuuurt!"

The cat girls turned into lions.

(LATER)

He was supposed to be discharged next day.

It was night time but Kamijou Touma couldn't sleep.

Even though Birdway and Amazora punished him for so called 'infidelity', they still decided to stay by his side instead to returning to the hotel and apartment respectively. So now they were sleeping on top of his covers, one by each side.

Touma sighed and laid down. It was emotional two days and he needed some sleep.

But just when he was about to fall asleep, his phone beeped.

When notification sounded for the second time, he reached for it.

What was in the message got his attention.

It was from Kumokawa Seria and said simply.

'We have a strong lead for Ayu-san's whereabouts. Come to me tomorrow afternoon, because the search is finally on'

(MEANWHILE)

Few hours passed since Shokuhou Misaki said her goodbyes for the day for the members of her clique, ate her imported and carefully selected dinner, and done her bedtime routine.

But she wasn't ready. No, it was rather that she didn't want to go to sleep.

She was like a child who believed that the day would never come if she stays awake.

But minutes, and later hours passed, and finally, it was midnight.

The beautiful golden haired girl stood before the calendar. Finally, as if her hand was weighing tons, she crossed out a day marked in red.

The red kanji read

'Anniversary of accident/our separation'

Misaki walked dully, switching off the lights, and then crawling under the covers.

She looked at the beam of moonlight that illuminated her room and her bed. Yet she didn't found will in herself to get up and do something about the curtains.

It was 2 years worth of time already...

"My prince... I miss you so very much... and yet I love you even more too" she whispered quietly, letting single tear shine in the moonlight. She didn't allow herself anymore because she genuinely feared that if she did so, she would not be able to raise next day, not to mention sleep.

But as that grieved in the dark, could she really imagine where the incoming day will take her?.